Ex-DFB star criticizes youth work
Podolski doesn’t want “mother’s son” in football “
Updated on September 20, 2025 – 9:17 a.m.Reading time: 2 min.
Lukas Podolski still follows the action at his ex-club Cologne. A player did it to him. Also because it differs from his kind to the others.
Lukas Podolski finds clear words for young German football. In an interview with the “Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger”, the 130-time national player said that more independent player types needed-and “not the mother’s son who are taken away and carried after”. He was currently doing it in particular a young professional of 1. FC Köln: Said El Mala. The 19-year-old offensive player reminds him a little of himself at a young age.
With a view to the current development at FC, Podolski is optimistic overall. The traditional club is still unbeaten after three match days and ranks in the upper half of the Bundesliga. A gratifying picture for Podolski: “It is currently fun to look at the games of FC. I see a lot of energy and a good spirit in the team. Lukas Kwasniok and FC – that seems to fit,” said the 2014 world champion.
The new trainer also convinces him-not only sporty, but also with his passionate way: “It is awesome when he is on the edge of the field with the FC jersey,” said Podolski. In addition, he praised the transfer policy under sports director Thomas Kessler. Players like Kaminski, Johanneson, Bülter or Ache are sensible obligations that help the squad.
It remains to be seen whether the 39-year-old himself will get back to FC. Podolski continues to play at Górnik Zabrze in Polish EkstraKlasa – at least until May. There are no concrete plans for the time afterwards: “Nobody promised me anything. I play professional football at least until May and I don’t even know exactly what comes afterwards,” said Podolski. But he made one thing clear: “FC is my club, which I would always like to help.”