FC Köln season began on 31 July 2011 against Wiedenbrück 2000 in a DFB-Pokal 1st round match.

[7] On 13 November, Wolfgang Overath along with deputies Friedrich Neukirch and Jürgen Glowacz resigned from the board of directors.

[8][9] Overath stated how there was a "strain in recent months" for all of them and "frustration, inner conflict, and wear and tear".

FC Köln stated that they would allow Sebastian Freis and Kevin Pezzoni to leave on free transfers.

FC Köln announced, that in mutual agreement, Volker Finke will be released from his position as Sporting Director.

FC Köln dismissed Ståle Solbakken as head coach of the club and replaced him with Frank Schaefer.

FC Köln finished in 17th place and were relegated on the final day of the season.

In August, Sports Director Volker Finke stated how the club absolutely must keep Podolski at all cost.

[20] Arsenal, Lokomotiv Moscow, Galatasaray S.K., Lazio and Schalke 04 are all known to be interested in Podolski and have been tracking him during the first half of season.

[23] Arsène Wenger has denied that he wants to purchase Podolski during the winter transfer period.

[21][26] Deutsche Welle stated that the "more logical decision" would be to sell Podolski during the winter transfer period because he is not cup-tied to any club in UEFA's European competitions and how their position to sell would be weaken if they wait for next summer.

[27] Podolski stated how he turned down Klopp twice and how Borussia Dortmund could not afford him because it does have any more UEFA Champions League revenue for the season.

defender Per Mertesacker stated how Podolski, along with former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry, would be "perfect acquisitions".

[28] On 7 March, Mertesacker stated that Podolski has asked about "a potential move to the Emirates".

[29][30] Oliver Bierhoff stated that Podolski would be making a "great move" if he left 1.