1. FC Cologne
After fan criticism: Kwasniok takes action and praises FC talents
01/11/2026 – 07:27 amReading time: 2 minutes
Lukas Kwasniok faces headwinds from the fans. Internally, the coach of 1. FC Köln takes tough measures, sorts out experienced players and focuses on talent.
The 1. FC Cologne missed the first win of the year at 1. FC Heidenheim (2:2) and missed the chance to move clearer away from the relegation zone with their first three-pointer in over two months. After the game, the Billy Goats ultras turned against the head coach with a banner Luke Kwasniok.
“Kwasni Yok” could be read there – a play on Kwasniok’s name with the Turkish word “Yok” (in German “there is not”, “no”, “no”). The Ultras of the “Wild Horde” had signed the banner. The FC announced afterwards that it wanted to contact the supporters to smooth things over.
Afterwards, Kwasniok tried to moderate the criticism of himself in a sporty way. “I can only move forward with performance and points,” said the 44-year-old. “One thing is important to me: the performance on the pitch. I saw a unity between the coaching staff and the team today. That’s what I can influence.”
The 2-2 draw in Heidenheim wasn’t much progress in the table. However, the performance gave hope, especially in the second half. In addition, Kwasniok threw new signing Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, a 20-year-old, and Fynn Schenten, an 18-year-old homegrown player, into the cold waters of the Bundesliga. Shortly before the end, another homegrown player, 19-year-old Youssoupha Niang, made his debut.
Schenten and Niang were used, while Luca Waldschmidt and Florian Kainz were left out of the squad. Two experienced players who fell victim to Kwasniok’s harsh course. “These are tough decisions. I didn’t just come here to score points, but to develop FC. That’s only possible with tough decisions and by supporting young players. The young ones are shaking up the older ones who have performed well here in the past.”
Kwasniok is particularly fond of Schenten. “I love the boy,” enthused the FC coach. “He didn’t need to adapt anything and has already learned something from his fellow strikers.” New signing Simpson-Pusey also received special praise: “Jahmai gave us a lot of joy today. He was a surprise, but the way he dribbled here at the age of 20 was à la bonne heure. I hope that this can be the start of a beautiful journey at FC.”
The question, however, is how the journey will continue for Kwasniok in Cologne. The FC coach knows: The two home games against FC Bayern Munich on Wednesday and on Saturday against 1. FSV Mainz 05 will also point the way for the 44-year-old. The fan criticism has reached the club. And this cannot cover up the talent promotion that fans like. Kwasniok’s reception in Müngersdorf on Wednesday will provide information about how successful the club’s discussions with the fans were.