News blog about 1. FC Cologne
FC professional with “good hardware” back in the starting line-up
Updated on December 4, 2025 – 4:46 p.mReading time: 41 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”.
Thursday, December 4, 2025
The most expensive purchase of the 1. FC Cologne returns to the starting line-up: On Saturday against FC St. Pauli, Rav van den Berg will be in the Billy Goats’ starting line-up for the first time since the third matchday – for the first time since he suffered a sprained acromioclavicular joint in Wolfsburg. “I can confirm that,” says Lukas Kwasniok.
The coach is convinced that the Dutchman will justify the eight million euros that FC transferred to Middlesbrough for him. “Rav can simply play football, has a relatively calm pulse and overall very good hardware for a central defender – a lot of size, good pace and a gift for defending well in individual tactics,” praises Kwasniok.
Striker Ragnar Ache, who missed the 1-1 draw in Bremen due to a slight concussion, is also fit. “He had no problems at all this week and thank God he is an option for us again,” said Kwasniok happily.
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
The numerous failures in the central defense could lead to the 1. FC Cologne must add more in the defense center during the winter transfer period. Coach Lukas Kwasniok actually wants reinforcements for the wings.
“In the past, my teams have been distinguished by the fact that we have dangerous full-backs,” says Kwasniok in an interview with Kicker and explains: “You have the most space on the wing – we definitely have room for improvement there.” The Cologne coach therefore announces: “This will remain an issue in the next transfer windows.”
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
1. FC Köln can rely on Ragnar Ache again in the home game against FC St. Pauli. The center forward was recently sidelined due to a minor concussion. The 27-year-old was able to train with the team again on Tuesday.
The billy goats’ personnel worries are easing somewhat. However, the situation in defense remains tense. In addition to the long-term absences of Luca Kilian and Timo Hübers, Joel Schmied and Dominique Heintz will probably be missing for several more weeks.
Curious honor for Said El Mala from 1. FC Köln: Toy figure manufacturer Playmobil is releasing special figures of Bundesliga stars in cooperation with the DFL. Under the motto “Your world. Your stadium.” A collection of toy figures is created for football fans and collectors. This first edition includes six fan favorites from selected traditional clubs: Harry Kane, Mario Götze, Angelo Stiller, Julian Brandt, Luka Vuskovic and Said El Mala.