After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, Fortuna Düsseldorf made a stunning recovery this term as they took the second division title. Friedholm Funkel was largely criticised last season for his side’s below average performances, but he answered his critics this season in fine form.
Fortuna were fortunate to take the title as they had two extended periods without winning, but the promotion was a deserved reward for a side who played some high-quality football this term.
Düsseldorf began the season as front runners and never fell off the pace. Following the opening few rounds, their lowest position of the season was third, meaning they were never outside the promotion spots. Aside from a 6-match run without winning in October and November, and a second shorter winless spell in April, Fortuna were consistent throughout. They ended the season with the most home points and second most on the road.
With a very similar squad to last season, not much was expected of the team this year. But Funkel bought and borrowed wisely. Loanee Florian Neuhaus was one of the most consistent players in the squad, and January loan signing Genki Haraguchi added some much needed attacking quality at the half way stage.
Free signing Niko Gießelmann only failed to feature in one match due to suspension and controlled the left flank of the team. But the 13 goals from Rouwen Hennings were one of the main reasons that Fortuna took the title.
After an absence of 5 years, Düsseldorf are back in the big time. They have a lot of work to do over the summer to get the squad ready to face the biggest sides in Germany. However Funkel has a very solid base from which to work and the experienced coach has shown he has plenty of tricks up his sleeve.
