6 champions who bombed the following year

FC Nurnberg – 1968/69

What is required to reach a summit is rarely the same as what is required to stay there and it is not unusual for a title winning team to struggle the following season.

This means it is essential to continue developing. Of course, it is possible to go too far and remove a team’s identity.

In 1967/68, FC Nurnberg won the German title. Looking to create a dynasty, manager Max Merkel tried to overhaul the team to focus on youth, adding 13 new players to the squad the following season.

Rather than reinforcing what had worked previously, this influx of new players destroyed the title-winning team.

They were relegated on the final match day of the following campaign.