Lukas Kwasniok takes over the reins at 1. FC Köln: A risk!

Lukas Kwasniok takes over the reins at 1. FC Köln: A risk!

1. FC Köln has signed a new coach for the Bundesliga, Lukas Kwasniok. Kwasniok comes from SC Paderborn, where he narrowly missed promotion during his tenure. The club has to pay a transfer fee of one million euros for the move to FC. His contract in Cologne runs until 2028, which makes it clear that the club is committed to continuity. Kwasniok had originally thought about taking a break, but decided to take advantage of the great opportunity that FC offers him.

“A life chance was taken away from me,” Kwasniok remembers of a time when he was about to move to HSV in the winter of 2023, but was not released by the Paderborn club. Nevertheless, he was able to keep his team fighting for promotion until the last matchday, despite his announcement that he would leave Paderborn after this season. Kwasniok has a remarkable ability to stabilize his players' performance under pressure, making him a sought-after coach.

Harsh criticism and ambitions

Although he has received praise for his coaching skills, Kwasniok has also had harsh words for his players and the club's management. This self-criticism could be a sign of his commitment, but such statements also raise questions about how the players will react to his leadership style. Thomas Kessler, who hired Kwasniok despite resistance, is a symbol of 1. FC Köln's new line. This not only involves sporting ambitions, but also a clear conviction to bravely break new ground.

Interestingly, Kwasniok's background could also explain his long stay in Paderborn. Two years ago there were allegations of sexual assault against him, but they were dropped without trial. This could have contributed to the coach spending four years in the provinces before he was given the new opportunity in Cologne.

Kwasniok's successes in Paderborn

In Paderborn, Kwasniok was responsible for 145 games in which he achieved impressive placings: seventh place twice, sixth place once and fourth place once. This makes him the longest-serving coach at FC Köln in the past 35 years, which is a remarkable achievement. FC sports director Kessler emphasizes that Kwasniok has the potential to develop teams and play attractive football.

The current situation in the Bundesliga shows how important coaching changes can be in the league. 1. FC Union Berlin recently introduced Nenad Bjelica as their new head coach after Urs Fischer was fired. Players often show a higher level of motivation under new coaches, which describes the so-called “honeymoon effect”. However, this effect can be maintained in the long term if communication between coach and players is good, as sports psychologist René Paasch explains. He notes that the players' acceptance of the new coach and his philosophy is crucial.

The fans of 1. FC Köln are excited to see how Kwasniok will perform in the new environment and whether he can lead the team to the successes they hope for. A brave step into a new era that the club so urgently needs.