Funkel, 67, told the local Express paper he was contacted by managing director Horst Heldt late Sunday and that final talks were set for later Monday.

“Things are looking good that we will get this done. I know it will be a demanding challenge,” Funkel said.

Gisdol was dismissed after Sunday’s 3-2 home defeat against fellow strugglers Mainz. Cologne are second-last and without victory in eight games.

Funkel coached Cologne before, between February 2002 and October 2003. He was relegated with them but achieved instant promotion back into the top flight.

Funkel last coached regional rivals Fortuna Dusseldorf where he had to go in January 2020.