association football player
OpinionAfter a season slump and the coach's departure: What will the derby mean for FC this time?
geissblog.koeln/2026/10/nach-saisonknick-und-trainer-aus-was-macht-das-derby-diesmal-mit-dem-fc/
Hamann's clear statement on the Gladbach crisis: This is what Borussia needs now
tz.de/sport/fussball/hamanns-klare-ansage-gladbach-krise-das-braucht-die-borussia-jetzt-zr-94492901.html
FC remains firm: No agreement: Dold case enters the next round.: The 1. FC Köln is in labor court over salary payments for two suspended employees.
rundschau-online.de/sport/1-fc-koeln/fc-bleibt-hart-fall-dold-geht-in-die-naechste-runde-1374226
1. FC Köln: FC in court twice: Cologne dispute over the season under Lukas Kwasniok | Sport
bild.de/sport/fussball/1-fc-koeln-fc-gleich-doppelt-vor-gericht-koeln-zoff-um-saison-unter-lukas-kwasniok-6aa8e9cb8191ba86095117bf
1. FC Köln News Ticker: Will Markus Gisdol sign with a foreign club again?: All the news about 1. FC Köln: Bundesliga, Women's Bundesliga, Regionalliga West ...
geissblog.koeln/2026/09/newsticker-1-fc-koeln-alle-nachrichten-zum-effzeh-im-newsticker-4/
In the midst of the legal dispute: Explosive job offer for former FC coach Kwasniok
geissblog.koeln/2026/09/mitten-im-rechtsstreit-brisanter-job-vorschlag-fuer-ex-fc-coach-kwasniok/
1. FC Köln: Luca Waldschmidt talks about difficult time with Lukas Kwasniok | Sport
bild.de/sport/fussball/1-fc-koeln-luca-waldschmidt-spricht-ueber-schwere-zeit-mit-lukas-kwasniok-6a73334bcc46967c04cafa98
1. FC Köln: Bottle fines and a technical quirk: This is how Cologne coach René Wagner really ticks! | Sports
bild.de/sport/fussball/1-fc-koeln-flaschen-strafen-und-technik-tick-so-tickt-koeln-coach-rene-wagner-wirklich-6a69a659a17ee9f1dfd827c0
Opinion“Then it will be difficult”: What Kwasniok has to do with Heintz’s departure from FC
geissblog.koeln/2026/06/dann-wird-es-schwierig-was-kwasniok-mit-heintz-fc-aus-zu-tun-hat/
OpinionYoung striker likely has no chance with the pros: Here are the FC’s plans!: Fynn Schenten got off to a flying start at 1. FC Köln, but then suffered setbacks ...
geissblog.koeln/2026/06/sturmtalent-wohl-chancenlos-bei-den-profis-das-sind-die-fc-plaene/
OpinionThe Coach Comparison: How Has Wagner Changed the FC Since Kwasniok?: René Wagner is having a tough time with FC fans as head coach of 1. FC Köln ...
geissblog.koeln/2026/05/der-trainer-vergleich-wie-hat-wagner-den-fc-seit-kwasniok-veraendert/
OpinionChavez & Co. on standby: This is what Wagner is really doing differently than Kwasniok
geissblog.koeln/2026/04/chavez-co-im-wartestand-das-macht-wagner-wirklich-anders-als-kwasniok/
1. FC Köln: Friedhelm Funkel raves about the FC coach: This is why René Wagner will save them! | Sport
bild.de/sport/fussball/1-fc-koeln-friedhelm-funkel-schwaermt-vom-fc-trainer-darum-schafft-rene-wagner-die-rettung-69e9c4a4af304ad3eb22942c
Key FactsSchell Blasts Kwasniok, Confident in Survival
Mar 29, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: geissblog.koeln
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: geissblog.koeln
- Stephan Schell supports the coaching change at 1. FC Köln and believes the team will avoid relegation.
- He sharply criticizes Lukas Kwasniok, asserting the club would have been relegated under his leadership.
- The active fan base remains optimistic despite the league position, confident that the players have untapped potential.
- Various choreographies are planned by the Südkurve fan section to be performed in the remaining matches of the season.
I am utterly convinced that we would have been relegated if we had kept the coach.— Schell said on Sunday midday during the Dreierkette Köln Talk at Reissdorf am Hahnentor.
1. FC Köln: More kilometers, chances and points: The Cologne numbers behind the Wagner turnaround | Sport
bild.de/sport/fussball/1-fc-koeln-mehr-kilometer-chancen-und-punkte-die-koeln-zahlen-hinter-der-wagner-wende-69e5d0dd064e04c985e99cb0
Opinion“Farewell” in Cologne: First photo of Kwasniok since leaving 1. FC Köln: Two weeks have passed since Lukas Kwasniok was dismissed from 1. FC Köln ...
geissblog.koeln/2026/04/runder-abschied-in-koeln-erstes-kwasniok-foto-nach-fc-aus/
Opinion“It really gets to us”—Waldschmidt’s praise for Wagner is a slap in the face for Kwasniok
geissblog.koeln/2026/04/kriegt-uns-gepackt-waldschmidts-lob-fuer-wagner-als-watsche-fuer-kwasniok/
OpinionKessler "not a fan of extrapolating" - | Kwasniok's goal within reach: With the draw against FC St. Pauli, 1. FC Köln has achieved its minimum goal ...
geissblog.koeln/2026/04/kein-freund-vom-hochrechnen-kesslers-enttaeuschung-weicht-der-zuversicht/
Kessler explains himself: This is how the coaching change went down - | this is how Kwasniok reacted
Key FactsFC Köln’s Coaching Shift: Causes and Impact Detailed
Mar 23, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: geissblog.koeln
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: geissblog.koeln
- The club resolved on Sunday to part ways with coach Lukas Kwasniok and bring René Wagner in as head coach.
- Thomas Kessler explained that the move came after thorough consideration and that Kwasniok was informed face-to-face.
- Despite disappointment, Kwasniok received recognition for his committed efforts and detailed approach until the final moments.
- The inability to win against key rivals and team imbalance motivated the coaching change scheduled during the international break.
We met yesterday morning at the Geißbockheim and analyzed the situation in its entirety and came to the conclusion that we want to make a change in the coaching position.— Thomas Kessler, Sporting Director, during a press briefing on Monday
Key FactsUnusual Mix-Up During FC Coaching Change
Mar 24, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: geissblog.koeln
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: geissblog.koeln
- René Wagner was incorrectly spotted attending talks at Geißbockheim before Lukas Kwasniok’s dismissal.
- Wagner clarified that on the day of the coaching decision, he was at home watching Netflix.
- The mix-up arose because Wagner closely resembles head physiotherapist Christian Osebold.
- Contact with Wagner, set to be promoted as Kwasniok’s successor, was only made after leadership reviewed the situation.
For outsiders it's very funny, but for me there was a problem because everyone thought I was here on Sunday.— René Wagner, clarifying that he was not at Geißbockheim on Sunday and that reports were a mix-up
These are the new coaches KSC fans can envision: The coaching question is heating up at Wildpark. KSC fans name their preferred candidates ...
bnn.de/karlsruhe/karlsruhe-stadt/diese-neuen-trainer-koennen-sich-ksc-fans-vorstellen
Paid articlePaywall
Transfermarkt can confirm that KSC bosses met with coach Lukas Kwasniok in Gran Canaria. The 44-year-old is considered the favorite – | but will likely be ... Show more
OpinionWinner of the transfer? Kwasniok’s favorite is now a Wagner fan: “Incredible job!”
geissblog.koeln/2026/04/gewinner-des-wechsels-kwasniok-liebling-jetzt-wagner-fan-unglaublicher-job/
OpinionNew face on the bench: Wagner’s role reassigned: 1. FC Köln has played its first competitive match with a new coaching staff. A staff member is also moving even ...
geissblog.koeln/2026/04/neues-gesicht-auf-der-bank-wagner-aufgabe-neu-vergeben/
Opinion"Evening out": Predicted by Kwasniok, come true under Wagner: An early penalty and more than an hour with a man advantage: In the 3-1 win against Werder Bremen ...
geissblog.koeln/2026/04/glueck-gehabt-von-kwasniok-vorhergesagt-unter-wagner-eingetroffen/
Opinion“Makes it easier”: El Mala raves about Wagner – a dig at Kwasniok?: A dig at Kwasniok? Said El Mala commented on his relationship with René Wagner after 1 ...
geissblog.koeln/2026/04/macht-es-leichter-el-mala-schwaermt-von-wagner-seitenhieb-an-kwasniok/
OpinionSupervisory Board Chairman Souque explains coach’s dismissal: “We’ve been discussing this since December”
geissblog.koeln/2026/03/aufsichtsrats-chef-souque-erklaert-trainer-aus-diskutieren-seit-dezember/
What do you think? Will Lukas Kwasniok be fired in the coming days? 🤔
❌ Sports director Thomas Kessler avoided making a statement after the thrilling 3-3 draw ... Show more
Key FactsThrilling Derby Ends in Dramatic 3-3 Draw
Mar 21, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: geissblog.koeln
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: geissblog.koeln
- The Rhineland derby saw 1. FC Köln and Borussia Mönchengladbach battle to a 3-3 draw after a match full of lead changes.
- Cenny Neumann made his unexpected starting debut but struggled defensively, while Eric Martel secured a late equalizer with a header.
- Martel received a second yellow card minutes after scoring, resulting in a red, but Köln held on to earn a point despite being a man down.
- This draw extends Köln’s cushion above the relegation playoff spot, although pressure remains high and the coaching situation uncertain.
You're not playing for or against anyone – you're damned well playing for 1. FC Köln! This is our game!— Stephan Schell, Wilde-Horde capo, before the Rhine derby at the RheinEnergieStadion, rallying the team
Quick Kwasniok comeback in the Bundesliga?: Lukas Kwasniok was recently dismissed by 1. FC Köln. He may return to the coaching bench soon.
fussballtransfers.com/a5055587971549091047-schnelles-kwasniok-comeback-in-der-bundesliga
René Wagner (37) will be on the FC Köln bench for the first time on Sunday for the match in Frankfurt. The successor to Lukas Kwasniok (44) ... Show more
Key FactsFC Köln Sets Record Fee for El Mala Transfer
Apr 3, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: welt.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: welt.de
- FC Köln internally agreed on a 50 million euro release fee for 19-year-old Said El Mala to allow a transfer.
- El Mala’s contract expires in June 2030 and includes no exit clause, but the club is preparing for a possible sale.
- The player’s family has blocked offers so far, while preliminary talks about appointing a new agent have started.
- Negotiations with Viktoria Köln concluded with a two million euro payment to buy out a ten percent future transfer stake.
OpinionGEISSPOD #223: Wagner Instead of Kwasniok – Can the FC Save Itself This Way?: After the coaching shakeup at 1. FC Köln: Can the club avoid relegation without ...
geissblog.koeln/2026/03/geisspod-223-wagner-statt-kwasniok-gelingt-dem-fc-so-die-rettung/
Opinion“It must be the devil’s work”: Kwasniok renews promise to Kaminski: Jakub Kaminski is now only slated to play as an attacking midfielder at 1. FC Köln ...
geissblog.koeln/2026/03/muesste-mit-teufel-zugehen-kwasniok-erneuert-versprechen-an-kaminski/
Key FactsKwasniok Commits to Kaminski’s Offensive Role
Mar 21, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: geissblog.koeln
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: geissblog.koeln
- Jakub Kaminski is designated exclusively as an attacker during FC Köln’s season finale.
- Coach Lukas Kwasniok reaffirmed his promise not to redeploy Kaminski as a right-back.
- Tom Krauß will occupy the right-back position for the third consecutive time due to injuries and suspensions.
- Kwasniok praises Krauß’s versatility and stresses the importance of Kaminski’s offensive contributions for the team.
It would take the devil himself for him to play right-back again.— Lukas Kwasniok, head coach of 1. FC Köln, on Kaminski's position and his promise
At the press conference following the Rhine Derby against Borussia Mönchengladbach, Lukas Kwasniok appeared confident that he would remain coach of 1. FC Köln ... Show more
Key FactsKwasniok Advocates Stability for FC Köln's Future
Mar 12, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: geissblog.koeln
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: geissblog.koeln
- Lukas Kwasniok highlights the importance of consistency and focuses on performance to navigate 1. FC Köln's current challenges.
- A solid and professional relationship exists between Kwasniok and sporting director Thomas Kessler, fostering calm decision-making.
- He notes that coaching changes mostly occur at clubs unexpectedly facing relegation battles, unlike Köln, which planned for survival.
- With an average squad age of 23.6, Kwasniok remains hopeful that concentrating on controllable factors will yield improved results soon.
The wind will turn, and the question is only when. It won't turn if you let up.— Kwasniok spoke this during the press conference ahead of the trip to Hamburg, advocating for continuity
Lukas Kwasniok is no longer the coach of 1. FC Köln. ❌ The decision was made on Sunday evening. Sky Sport can confirm a report to that effect by Bild ... Show more
Key FactsCrucial Bundesliga Survival Clash in Hamburg
Mar 14, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: geissblog.koeln
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: geissblog.koeln
- Köln seeks to end a winless streak by gaining points in the key match against fellow promoted team HSV.
- Hamburg has suffered just one defeat in its last eight league games, edging closer to maintaining top-division status.
- Coach Kwasniok intends few lineup adjustments but is considering starting Sebulonsen and Maina.
- HSV’s strong defensive setup and vocal home crowd present significant challenges for Köln.
1. FC Köln: “We would have been in deep s***”: Ultra boss lashes out at Kwasniok | Sports
bild.de/sport/fussball/1-fc-koeln-waeren-wir-ganz-tief-in-die-sch-geraten-ultra-boss-tritt-gegen-kwasniok-nach-69c8dbbd04eeb30f4b108856
Key Facts1. FC Köln Faces More Key Player Departures
Mar 12, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: geissblog.koeln
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: geissblog.koeln
- Florian Kainz announced his retirement, and Luca Kilian's contract will not be renewed by FC Köln.
- Kilian suffered three ACL tears within 18 months, last playing in the Bundesliga in March 2024.
- The club had previously extended his contract despite injuries but now plans to part ways with the defender.
- At 26, Kilian is considering career options beyond football following his third ACL injury in September 2025.
We are in talks and are now clarifying this, now that the transfer windows are closed again.— Ex-captain Timo Hübers (1. FC Köln); said recently about ongoing contract talks.
"It doesn't look like it": #effzeh Coach Kwasniok has decided on El Mala and Kaminski. One moment please…
Key FactsInjury Updates Brighten Derby Prospects
Mar 19, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: geissblog.koeln
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: geissblog.koeln
- Said El Mala and Jakub Kaminski resumed team training on Thursday and are expected to feature in the upcoming derby against Borussia Mönchengladbach.
- The session took place at RheinEnergieStadion behind closed doors, continuing the club’s recent privacy approach.
- Florian Kainz, Jan Thielmann, and Denis Huseinbasic have also recovered sufficiently to be considered squad options for the game.
- Several players remain sidelined due to injury, and two others are unavailable because of suspensions.
Key FactsUltras Spark Passion Ahead of Köln-Gladbach Derby
Mar 20, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: geissblog.koeln
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: geissblog.koeln
- A prominent banner in the stadium aimed to boost the FC team’s motivation prior to the clash with Borussia Mönchengladbach.
- Coach Lukas Kwasniok emphasized the powerful emotions tied to derby matches and values fan support highly.
- Since a coaching change, Gladbach has achieved ten clean sheets, marking them as a formidable opponent.
- Key forwards Said El Mala and Jakub Kaminski, despite minor injuries, were able to fully participate in final training.
Moments like the derby are the reasons I signed here. I actually wanted to take a break, but I know what power this stadium can unleash.— Lukas Kwasniok, FC Köln head coach, during a pre-derby press conference.
Successor ready: Is Kwasniok's fate sealed?: In the Rhine derby against Borussia Mönchengladbach, 1. FC Köln narrowly averted defeat ...
fussballtransfers.com/a7935078944191036161-nachfolger-steht-bereit-ist-kwasnioks-schicksal-besiegelt
Following the coaching change, 1. FC Köln is also counting on a positive turnaround among the players, who were recently dissatisfied under Lukas Kwasniok ... Show more
1. FC Köln: Change of coach raises hopes
1. FC Köln: Change of coach raises hopes
Immediately after Kwasniok's departure: Cheerful video from El Mala raises questions.
bild.de/sport/fussball/direkt-nach-dem-aus-von-kwasniok-froehliches-video-von-el-mala-wirft-fragen-auf-69c12423f9a4badb241d20bc
Key FactsKwasniok Condemns Pressure on El Mala Before Derby
Mar 19, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: geissblog.koeln
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: geissblog.koeln
- Lukas Kwasniok praises Said El Mala’s internal progress despite his omission from the senior national team.
- The coach reacts strongly to reports suggesting El Mala’s parents agreed to a transfer to Brighton & Hove Albion.
- Kwasniok criticizes the social media abuse young players face and the negative impact on their well-being.
- The ongoing speculation affects El Mala’s confidence, leading to fewer dribbling attempts in recent matches.
To put it plainly, this is perverse, what is happening nowadays to 18- and 19-year-olds.— Lukas Kwasniok, FC Köln coach, after a derby press conference
The air is getting thin for Lukas Kwasniok after the draw in the Rhine Derby. 😬
Cologne coach Lukas Kwasniok (44) is annoyed about the VAR. #lukaskwasniok #kwasniok #1fcköln #effzeh #borussiadortmund
What Wagner takes away from Kwasniok: | "Lived football every second": Video: In his first media session as interim coach of 1. FC Köln, René Wagner spoke about ...
kicker.de/was-wagner-von-kwasniok-mitnimmt-jede-sekunde-fussball-gelebt-1204694/video
Kessler explains: This is how Kwasniok reacted to the dismissal: Video: 1. FC Köln parts ways with its coach Lukas Kwasniok. Managing Director of Sport Thomas ...
kicker.de/kessler-klaert-auf-so-reagierte-kwasniok-auf-die-freistellung-1204422/video
Inconsistent VAR: Kwasniok is "getting on his nerves": Cologne coach Lukas Kwasniok is once again upset about a referee's decision and resorts to resignation ...
sport1.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/2026/03/inkosequenter-var-kwasniok-geht-es-auf-den-sack
With the international break ahead, club officials intend to “objectively and rationally analyze” the team’s current situation and the future of Lukas Kwasniok ... Show more