News blog about 1. FC Cologne
Kwasniok announces comeback and jokes about Maina’s weight
Updated March 5, 2026 – 5:26 p.mReading time: 18 minutes
1. FC Köln is fighting to stay in the Bundesliga. In the news blog on t-online you will find all the important news about the Geißbockheim.
Thursday March 5, 2026
The 1. FC Cologne can plan against Borussia Dortmund again with Alessio Castro-Montes and Linton Maina. Both have missed the last four Bundesliga games due to injuries. Full-back Castro-Montes, who has recovered from a torn muscle fiber, should be in the starting line-up on Saturday evening: “He will start so that we have closed the position on the right rail,” announces coach Lukas Kwasniok.
Maina, who was still absent due to illness after recovering from a broken rib, initially only has enough for a role as a joker. “Linton was out for three or four days with gastrointestinal problems and has really lost weight. He’s panting a little,” said Kwasniok. The winger could certainly be considered as a “weapon from the bench,” the Cologne coach added, adding “kind regards” to Maina: “The two or three kilos less suits him very well.”
If 1. FC Cologne manages to stay in the league, a transfer for the coming season is fixed: Tom Krauß, who is currently on loan from Mainz, is obliged to buy if he stays in the Bundesliga, as the midfielder confirmed in an interview with “Radio Köln”. He emphasized: “I have a huge goal, and that is to stay here in Cologne. I want to do that with all my might.”
Krauß, who has already played for seven different clubs in his career, is finally aiming for continuity: “I want to feel at home here. I get along with everyone here. Now all that’s left is to achieve this one goal. That’s what we’re working towards.” The 24-year-old is currently the leader in Cologne’s midfield headquarters.
Cenk Özkacar has found his place at 1. FC Köln. The loanee from FC Valencia was in coach Lukas Kwasniok’s starting line-up on seven of nine possible match days this calendar year. “The many absences due to injury gave me my chance. I think I’m doing well at the moment. It’s important to maintain this form now, so the most important phase is still ahead of me,” said the central defender on Tuesday after the training session.
