Malek El Mala

Flaco will start. He is ready to give us the security we signed him for. He is a leader and will therefore be on the pitch from the start. You could also see in Stuttgart that he gave us stability. He will do that again on Saturday.

— René Wagner on Flaco's starting XI comeback ahead of FC Köln – Werder Bremen

The point is not enough. When you’re leading, that’s certainly not enough. It’s important to take the three points at home.

— Linton Maina, after the match against Werder Bremen, on the significance of the result and the aim to secure three points

He feels comfortable in all positions, which is not exactly normal.

— René Wagner on Mikey Moore; the FC Köln coach remarks on his versatility

What a season. It was a huge honor for me to wear the number 13 for you, but I had to make a decision. Your number 13 goes … but your new number ten stays.

— Said El Mala in a video addressed to FC Köln fans on the club's homepage

We’ll start in a couple of weeks and the market is moving. We’re also looking at one or two other new arrivals. Pricing is flexible depending on the request.

— Thomas Kessler, FC Köln representative, commenting on Borussia Dortmund’s offer for Said El Mala

He is not a player of Borussia Dortmund.

— Sport Director Ole Book of Borussia Dortmund, in a Sky Sport interview ahead of Dortmund's friendly against Fortuna Düsseldorf

ridiculous

— Thomas Kessler, managing director of 1. FC Köln, described the previous offers from Borussia Dortmund as “ridiculous.”

"Sometimes you need patience, sometimes you have to endure as well, but that's the Cologne way we're used to. I can promise we will do everything we can to move the FC forward."— Thomas Kessler spoke at the 1. FC Köln season-opening event; he promised patience and determination to push the club forward.