Köppel officially took over as manager ofBorussia Dortmund II on 1 July 2001.[8] Köppel was manager until 30 June 2004 when he decided to join Borussia Mönchengladbach's reserve side.[9]
Köppel became manager of Borussia Mönchengladbach II on 1 July 2004.[9] He became caretaker manager of Borussia Mönchengladbach on 27 October 2004.[10]Dick Advocaat was hired as the new manager, ending Köppel's stint as caretaker manager, on 1 November 2004.[11] Köppel returned to the reserve team on 2 November 2004. Köppel became manager of the senior squad after Advocaat resigned as manager of the club on 18 April 2005.[12] Köppel was sacked on 16 May 2006.[13]