In what is just his second day as head coach, Konrad Fünfstück has already made the sizeable decision to change captains. Chris Löwe, who was made captain at the start of the season, will now hand the armband over to Daniel Halfar.
Löwe, alongside Markus Karl, in the longest serving player currently in the ranks of the Red Devils. Since joining in January 2013, the left-back has been a virtual ever-present at right back and has been as effective going forward as he is when carrying out defensive duties. The 26-year-old was clearly vocal on the pitch, too, meaning that not many people are understanding of his decision.
Fünfstück explains the switch
One possible reason, although not in the statement he gave, is that Halfar came through the youth academy at the Betzenberg and has a certain connect to the fans that others may not have. Fünfstück himself said, "Daniel Halfar is, due to presence on and off the pitch and his plentiful experience in professional football, the captain of our team and the 'extended arm' of the coaching staff."
The new head coach, who has only just taken charge from Kosta Runjaic, was quick to reassure Löwe that he would remain an important part of his plans. He commented, "Chris [Löwe] continues to enjoy a position of very high priority with with me and the team. He plays an enormously important role in our team." Fünfstück believes that he can now "fully focus on the sporting challenge" and remains "an important point of contact" within the squad.
The first chance to see whether or not the changes in captain and coach can kick-start Kaiserslautern's season will come on Friday evening, when they take on the 2. Bundesliga leaders, VfL Bochum. As of yet, it is unclear as to whether or not he will make multiple changes to the starting line-up.