Kwasniok hits “the hardest of all decisions”

1. FC Cologne

Kwasniok hits “the hardest of all decisions”

The squad of the squad of 1. FC Köln is progressing. Before the first Bundesliga matchday in Mainz, Lukas Kwasniok sorted out more professionals.

The upheaval of 1. FC Köln demands the next victims. Since Friday morning, Learst Pacarada, Imad Rondic and Jacob Christensen have no longer been part of team training. “The squad was too big and I chose these three players,” said coach Lukas Kwasniok at the press conference before the Bundesliga start at FSV Mainz 05 (Sunday, 3:30 p.m.).

The closer the first match day moves, the harder the Kwasniok has to take. The 44-year-old suffers with his players: “These are bitter decisions that really do you. Even banning professionals from training is “the hardest of all decisions”.

But Kwasniok also made it clear: “In my view, the decision was essential so that we can work and successfully work.” With Pacarada, Rondic and Christensen, 24 field players took part in team training until Thursday – from the perspective of the Cologne coach, these are simply too many players. With the entire squad, it is not possible to prepare optimal preparation for Mainz, you want to put “a strong focus on success”.

For the sorted out trio, individual training continues from Friday afternoon. “You had the opportunity to choose whether you want to train with the coaching team with the U21 or individually,” said Kwasniok. Pacarada, Rondic and Christensen opted – unlike the Florian Dietz and Sargis Adamyan, which was painted over weeks ago.

Kwasniok had sent the bitter decision after training on Thursday. “We have had a very short informal conversation with all players, the coaching team with all three boys.” The reaction was not surprisingly sobering. “You took note of this. In the past, I have rarely perceived enormous joy in the past. That is in the nature of the matter,” said Kwasniok understanding.

The Pacarada personnel is a hardship case. Last season, the left-back with 30 starting eleven missions had been part of the absolute regular staff. But the Bundesliga does not apparently not trust him. Pacarada should find a new club a year before the end of his contract, there is interest from the 2nd Bundesliga.

Rondic, in turn,, which ex-sports director Christian Keller had only signed last winter, is still bound to FC until 2029. The Bosnian attacker recently rejected an offer from the Karlsruher SC and showed no interest in a departure from Cologne. With the expulsion from team training, the “billy goats” are now increasing the exchange pressure on the reservist.