News blog about 1. FC Cologne
Despite a two-month break: FC professional travels to the national team
Updated on November 9, 2025 – 5:33 p.mReading time: 29 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”.
Sunday, November 9, 2025
Despite his long injury break, Rav van den Berg is in the Dutch U21 national team squad. The central defender, who suffered a sprained shoulder joint in Wolfsburg on September 13th, was nominated for the European Championship qualifying games against Slovenia (November 14th) and Israel (November 18th).
The 21-year-old will travel to the national team, train and gain his first match practice “in consultation with the FC and in close coordination with the medical department,” according to a statement from the billy goats. FC coach Lukas Kwasniok is giving his team five days off next week – van den Berg can stay in rhythm with the national team and prepare for his Bundesliga comeback.
Saturday, November 8, 2025
Said El Mala was substituted at half-time in the first game since his nomination for the German national team. The 19-year-old was unable to make an impact in 1. FC Cologne’s derby against Borussia Mönchengladbach after a good initial phase and was taken off the field by Lukas Kwasniok after 45 minutes.
“He wasn’t good,” Kwasniok explained his decision afterwards. “I rate the performance like any other player.” And that’s why he had to replace El Mala. “When working against the ball in one situation or another, he didn’t act as I would like.” Ragnar Ache came for El Mala. FC lost the game 1:3 (0:1).
Friday, November 7, 2025
1. FC Köln will have to do without Jan Thielmann and Rav Van den Berg in the derby against Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday. The duo are back in team training after their injuries, but are not yet ready for the duel against their arch-rivals from the Lower Rhine.
“The two boys are doing very well. Both Jan and Rav are making great progress, but will not be part of the squad yet,” confirmed Lukas Kwasniok on Friday. “We don’t want to take any risks. Especially with Jan, who is already gathering with his hooves. It’s important to be sensible and protect the boy a little from himself.”
Said El Mala, on the other hand, will be available for action after suffering a minor ligament injury during training on Wednesday. “He got hit. Then he got an ice pack on him. No amputation was necessary,” Kwasniok downplayed the situation. “He trained normally with tape the next day and will be fit for action tomorrow,” confirmed the FC coach.