1. FC Cologne
Kessler talks about coaching decision: “Absolute conviction”
May 7, 2026 – 2:28 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
At 1. FC Cologne there are increasing indications that René Wagner will remain head coach next season. Managing director Thomas Kessler has now commented.
When René Wagner was promoted at the end of March – after the separation from Lukas Kwasniok – the previous assistant coach was not only seen internally as a short-term solution. Rather, the Dresden native should be given the opportunity to recommend himself for a permanent role. After relegation has been virtually assured, this very scenario now seems to be becoming increasingly likely.
Officially, Thomas Kessler did not want to anticipate the decision on Thursday. However, his statements left little room for interpretation. “René changed the small adjustment screws at exactly the right moments. We got the necessary points, scored in extremely important away games and won the game at home against Werder Bremen,” said the sports director 1. FC Cologne. Wagner is also convincing in his dealings with the team and staff: “I experience him in his daily work and he does a very good job.”
Kessler was particularly clear when asked whether he trusted Wagner to take on the role of head coach in the long term. “Definitely,” replied the 40-year-old. The decision to entrust Wagner with the team in the middle of the relegation battle was not made spontaneously. “Giving him the reins of action in this situation, with two points ahead of the relegation zone, is not done out of a whim, but out of absolute conviction.”
Kessler also indicated that this belief could continue beyond the summer. He could imagine “doing that in the future too,” said the managing director, referring to Wagner. However, the coaching question is not completely closed. The final decision must be approved by the responsible committees at the FC. Kessler therefore also emphasized: “I’m certainly not the only one who will be at the table when such a decision is made.” At the same time, he made it clear that it was his job to make appropriate suggestions and represent his preferred solution internally.
