Relegation-threatened 1. FC Köln has parted ways with coach Lukas Kwasniok following a 3:3 derby draw against Borussia Mönchengladbach. Co-coach René Wagner takes over on an interim basis, while assistant Frank Kaspari also departs. The club sits 15th, two points above the relegation playoff spot.
The day after a 3:3 draw in the Rhineland derby against Borussia Mönchengladbach, 1. FC Köln dismissed coach Lukas Kwasniok. The 44-year-old, who joined from SC Paderborn in the summer with a contract until 2028, left after seven winless games. Sporting director Thomas Kessler explained: „Despite passionate and proper performances, a clear downward trend in our development was evident lately. We have collected too few points – that's the reality.“ Assistant Frank Kaspari was also released, with co-coach René Wagner stepping in interim. Kessler praised Wagner: „He knows the team, has good access to the players, and we absolutely trust him to turn the good performances into positive results again.“ Wagner stated: „Together with the team, my coaching colleagues, our staff, and the support of the entire club, I will do everything to stay in the Bundesliga.“ Kwasniok had visited the training grounds that morning, joking with fans: „Nothing much happening here anymore. I'm enjoying the sun now.“ After the match, he had vowed: „I will fight for this damn job with everything I have [...] I am the right man in the right place.“ Player Eric Martel backed him: „I see how we train. It's really good. [...] What we're missing are the results.“ Köln started the season well but slipped, winning only two of their last 18 games.
