Holstein Kiel is on the rise while 1. FC Köln faces relegation. This surprising turn of events has left big German clubs like Schalke 04 and Hertha BSC in the second division, alongside Holstein Kiel, a smaller club with a massive upset. The 2. Bundesliga is now attracting more fans than the top-tier league, posing a challenge for German football.
The Bundesliga’s marketing is becoming more challenging as sponsors and investors are less inclined to support teams in the second division. Despite the current distribution of TV revenue, some traditional clubs are pushing for a larger share, arguing their large audience numbers contribute to the league’s appeal. However, rewarding failure is not the solution, as successful clubs are being outperformed by underdogs like Heidenheim and Kiel.
The historical success of clubs like HSV, Schalke, and FC Köln was built on the efforts of past legends. The current leadership’s lackluster performance should not be rewarded with increased funding. Instead of demanding more money, they should focus on reflecting on their shortcomings and work towards restoring the club’s former glory through better management decisions.