News blog about 1. FC Cologne
El Mala brings the DFB team back, but cannot prevent bankruptcy
Updated 10/10/2025 – 8:09 p.mReading time: 14 minutes
1. FC Köln is playing first class again this season. In the news ticker on t-online you will find all the important reports about the “billy goats”.
Friday, October 10, 2025
The German U21 national team suffered its first defeat in a European Championship qualifier since November 2021 on Thursday. Coach Antonio di Salvo’s team ultimately lost 2:3 (0:2) against Greece. After a weak opening phase, the Greeks were 2-0 ahead after 14 minutes thanks to goals from Kostoulas and Tzimas. Said El Mala from 1. FC Köln was not yet on the pitch at this point.
The Cologne shooting star was only substituted on in the second half – and promptly brought new momentum. Less than ten minutes had been played in the second half when El Mala forced the Greek keeper Botis into a brilliant save. Muhammed Damar was able to put in the margin to make it 1:2. Shortly afterwards, Tom Rothe equalized from a corner.
The DFB youngsters, driven again and again by the fast and striking El Mala, then pushed for the lead. In the end, however, Greece celebrates again: In the 81st minute, Rallis was not attacked energetically enough, so the joker from Zwolle scored the winning goal. A defeat that even the Cologne professionals ultimately couldn’t prevent. Germany is currently only in third place in Group F with three points.
Thursday, October 9, 2025
For Julian Pauli, the loan from 1. FC Köln to Dynamo Dresden has already paid off. The central defender has been a regular at the second division club since he moved. The Cologne home-grown player has now been nominated for the U21 national team by coach Antonio di Salvo. Pauli had previously appeared in six games for the German U20. Tim Drexler from 1. FC Nürnberg was also nominated. Linus Gechter and Brajan Gruda had to leave injured.
At the DFB, Julian Pauli will meet another FC professional, Said El Mala. The two will face Greece together on Friday evening (6 p.m.) and Northern Ireland on Tuesday (6 p.m.). Both games are part of the European Championship qualification.
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
1. FC Köln will have to be without Youssoupha Niang for longer than expected. After his shoulder operation during summer preparation, the striker was supposed to return to team training soon. However, Niang was injured again. “The shoulder is in great shape, he has a bit of muscle elsewhere,” says FC coach Lukas Kwasniok, without going into detail. Since this is a structural injury, the 19-year-old will probably be out for months rather than weeks. On Wednesday, Niang hobbled into the dressing room on crutches.