1. FC Kaiserslautern on the Verge of Bundesliga Return After 13-Year Abscence
The 1. FC Kaiserslautern (FCK) is poised to make its long-awaited return to the Bundesliga, the top tier of German football, after an absence of 13 years. The club’s prospects are the brightest they have been in a decade.
In the 2014/15 season, FCK narrowly missed out on promotion to the Bundesliga, finishing fourth in the 2. Bundesliga. Three years later, the club suffered a devastating relegation to the third-tier 3. Liga.
However, under the guidance of coach Markus Anfang, FCK has experienced a remarkable resurgence this season. After 22 matchdays, the club has collected one more point than it had at the same stage of the 2014/15 season and currently sits in third place in the standings.
On Friday (March 18, 18:30 CET), FCK will face Hamburger SV (HSV) in a top-of-the-table clash. HSV, which is only ahead of the Red Devils on goal difference, is also a strong contender for promotion.
"I believe HSV has a top team. They play good football and have players who can make the difference," Anfang said about their rival.
FCK can count on the unwavering support of its passionate fans in the final stretch of the season. Around 6,000 supporters will accompany the club to Hamburg, while only a few tickets remain for the six remaining home matches at the Fritz-Walter-Stadion.
The euphoria surrounding the Betzenberg, FCK’s home ground, is palpable, but the pressure remains low. Unlike HSV, FCK is not under any obligation to achieve promotion this season and considers itself an underdog against the likes of league leaders 1. FC Köln.
Off the pitch, the atmosphere is also calm. Following last season’s dramatic relegation battle, which was only resolved on the final matchday, few are openly discussing the possibility of a Bundesliga return. Club officials, in particular, are reluctant to engage in such talk.
"We know where we come from and we’re keeping our feet on the ground," Anfang said recently.
However, one person broke ranks last week ahead of the goalless draw at home to Hannover 96. Axel Kemmler, a member of the Saar-Pfalz GmbH investor group, told the Rheinpfalz newspaper: "The goal is the Bundesliga. Whether this year or in one or two years. I think it’s something we should be stating more openly now."
Kemmler’s bold statement is unlikely to have pleased either managing director Thomas Hengen or Anfang, who prefer to maintain a low profile. When asked about the club’s season goals, FCK officials have resorted to the usual football clichés for weeks.
Anfang refused to be drawn into speculation ahead of the top-of-the-table clash at the sold-out Volksparkstadion. "It’s perfectly legitimate for investors to say something like that. We want to develop a team, and we’re on the right track. We’re not looking at the table and we’re preparing every week to go out and win games," the 50-year-old explained.
Financially, a return to the Bundesliga would provide FCK with a solid foundation after its insolvency five years ago and would give the club greater financial flexibility. For example, the club plans to build a small stadium for its youth teams at its training ground. The Fritz-Walter-Stadion is also in need of significant renovation.
