Wagner could take over
©IMAGO
This article appeared on Transfermarkt in its first version on March 21st. and was subsequently updated (new second paragraph).
Sports director Thomas Kessler avoided a clear commitment to FC coach Lukas Kwasniok after 1. FC Köln’s draw in the derby against Borussia Mönchengladbach. “I’ll sleep on it for one night. We’ll relax towards the weekend and then we’ll think about it,” said Kessler on “Sky” after the 3-3 draw in the Bundesliga against their Rhine rivals. The disappointment is great.
Update 3:08 p.m.: According to the “Express”, Kessler’s decision is clear: the ex-professional wants to bring about a change in the coaching position. There are increasing signs that the previous assistant René Wagner will take over the lead. The Joint Committee will meet at 3 p.m. where the final decision will be made.
Kwasniok himself campaigned in the stadium’s catacombs. “The most important thing when you have a coach in a club is the conviction of the colleague who is in front of the team. I can only say: you first have to find someone who has more conviction,” said the 44-year-old. “I feel that in the team. We are a team, one hundred percent.”
Kwasniok: “I will fight for this damn job”
Kwasniok also said: “I will fight for this damn job here with everything I have. Because I am absolutely convinced: I am the right man in the right place with the right team in the right club.” He feels the support of those responsible “one hundred percent”.
Kessler had previously stated that it was not about making a decision today (Saturday; editor). “But we have to make adjustments so that we can be successful. And what they will look like is an open question.” Kwasniok, who came from second division club Paderborn, took over from Cologne before this season.
1. FC Cologne has slipped to 15th place in the Bundesliga
The one point against Mönchengladbach was not enough, said Kessler. He had to compliment the team for coming back strongly after the 0-1 defeat in the first minute. “But that accompanies us throughout the entire season. We have reached a time where we have to get a three-pointer again.”
In the table, Cologne slipped to 15th place after their seventh game without a win in a row. On Sunday, FC St. Pauli can let the promoted team slip to 16th place with a home win against SC Freiburg. “We can all read the table. I think we can now analyze it objectively and rationally. There is great disappointment that we only got one point,” said Kessler.
Kwasniok appeared to be relaxed after the final whistle. “Everything is as usual, we let things sink in and then we discuss the content,” he said with a smile. “Of course, when you’re fighting to stay in the league, it’s always viewed differently. I do it with dedication, with love for the club. I’m assuming that it will be over in the middle or end of May – for this season.”
