In search of a new head coach, the 1. FC Köln found what they were looking for. As the Bundesliga promoter announced on Friday morning, Lukas Kwasniok becomes the new head coach in the cathedral city. Most recently, the 43-year-old was on the sidelines at second division SC Paderborn.
“We are very pleased that we were able to win Lukas Kwasniok as the new head coach for the 1. FC Köln. In Paderborn, he has impressively demonstrated for several years that he can develop teams, let attractive and successful football play and bring young players to higher tasks,” sports director Thomas Kessler is quoted in the club’s official statement.
The new trainer Passen “with its kind of football, its energy and its ambition, excellently what we imagine for FC in the Bundesliga,” said the former Bundesliga keeper.
Kessler continued: “In the detailed and intensive conversations with Lukas, we have strengthened the impression that with his personality, his conviction and his approach, he fits the 1. FC Köln and the Cologne location very well. We are convinced that we have found the right coach with him to further develop FC in the Bundesliga and to stabilize sustainably.”
1. FC Köln a “madness club”
At the Geißbockheim, the former coach of the 1. FC Saarbrücken signed a long-term working paper by the end of June 2028. The new head coach is looking forward to the new challenge: “It is an amazing club and a huge chance. It will certainly be a great feeling to be on the line for the first time in the Bundesliga. We want to worry with FC for a sensation.”
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Kwasniok even decided against a break for the trainer job at 1st FC Köln. “I had played with the thought of maybe taking a break. When Thomas Kessler contacted me, it was immediately clear to me: If I got the opportunity to work in Cologne, I really want to do it,” said the new trainer.
As part of a press conference, Kwasniok, who, according to the association, is still being presented on vacation at the end of June. Since the German-Poles at the East Westphalia actually still contracted until 2026, the effzeh must transfer a transfer fee to Paderborn. According to “Sky”, this should be a good million euros.