Thomas Kessler has once again commented on Lukas Kwasniok’s departure from 1. FC Köln. The sports director also made it clear why the club relies on René Wagner.
“Unfortunately, that’s part of our job. We had very clear and personal conversations,” Kessler told “DAZN” about Kwasniok’s exit before the 2-2 draw at Eintracht Frankfurt.
The newcomer pulled the ripcord before the international break. “Lukas had the opportunity to say goodbye to the team and did so. We brought the staff and the team together again so that he could say goodbye. That’s why it was a complete conclusion for us,” said Kessler.
Kwasniok only took over 1. FC Köln at the start of the season. After a strong start, the Rhinelanders slipped increasingly into the relegation battle. After the 3-3 draw in the derby against Borussia Mönchengladbach, it was over for Kwasniok. René Wagner rose from assistant to head coach.
That’s why 1. FC Cologne relies on Wagner
“We can all read the table. But there was never much missing and this team is very close together. I didn’t have the impression that the team and the staff needed an external impulse now. With Rene we had someone who worked very loyally to Lukas, but whom I really respect professionally and who perhaps approaches working with the staff and team with a slightly different approach,” said Kessler, explaining the decision for the 37-year-old.
In the first game under Wagner’s direction, 1. FC Cologne won 2-2 at Eintracht Frankfurt after being 2-0 down.
“We simply have a lot of players who have a lot of heart and also the power to play 90 minutes of full-throttle football. Maybe with a 0-2 defeat you are no longer so afraid of taking risks in your own half. Then you can also see the quality of the boys in the game going forward,” said Kwasniok’s successor, commenting on the comeback.
