1. FC Cologne
In criticism: Kwasniok becomes emotional after allegations
01/13/2026 – 3:34 p.mReading time: 3 minutes
Lukas Kwasniok commented on the allegations against him on Tuesday. Sports director Thomas Kessler defends the coach of 1. FC Köln.
Clear edge of Luke Kwasniok before the home game of 1. FC Cologne against FC Bayern Munich: After the fan criticism and the rumors about a bad relationship between the coach and his team, the 44-year-old went on the offensive on Tuesday. Kwasniok spoke openly about the past few days at the press conference before the Bayern clash.
“Immediately after the game you take it in a little more emotionally,” admitted Kwasniok. “Then a few hours pass and then it’s important to calmly sort things out.” The club took over the discussions with the ultra scene and he and his coaching team sought contact with the players. “We had a conversation with the team council about topics such as the supposedly canceled team evening.”
A rumor had leaked out of the training camp that Kwasniok had banned an evening for the players. The 44-year-old denied that. There was indeed a team evening – just with a time restriction. “I’ve been a coach for 19 years and I’m someone who makes team nights mandatory,” said Kwasniok. The fact that he banned the evening per se is “Kokolores”. He just called his player a prank.
“What I said was: It would be good if you didn’t come back at half past two and someone vomits on my shoes,” Kwasniok reported with a smile. The players went out and returned to the team hotel between half past twelve and twelve. In the end, the conversation with the team council was positive. The team council includes captain Marvin Schwäbe, vice-captain Ron-Robert Zieler, homegrown player Jan Thielmann and newcomer Marius Bülter.
In general, Kwasniok was keen to emphasize that his relationship with the players remained intact. As evidence of this, he cited his team’s continued good performance in terms of intensity and commitment. It’s true that some things didn’t work in terms of football. “But the last few weeks and months have shown that we always give our all. There is always a unit on the pitch. That’s why I would be a little cautious when it comes to this topic of the team being dissatisfied.”
Then Kwasniok became emotional again and made it clear: “When you see the team play, they give it their all. Their hearts are in the right place and I don’t let anything get on the boys in any way. I talk to them every day. A top team!” And further: “I really enjoy being the coach of this team and this club.”