Waldschmidt about Kwasniok: He is crazy about football and obsessed with details!
Luca Waldschmidt of 1. FC Köln talks about his role under coach Kwasniok and plans his career path until 2027.

Waldschmidt about Kwasniok: He is crazy about football and obsessed with details!
In the hustle and bustle of the Bundesliga, Luca Waldschmidt (29) surprises with his deep insights into the current situation at 1. FC Köln. The offensive player, who has been part of the club for three seasons, has never spent more than two years at one club in his career so far, which is why his connection to FC seems to be something special. In an interview on September 8, 2025, he admitted that he was “not satisfied” with his season record so far, which includes a short stint as a substitute and 90 minutes on the bench. But the trust in coach Lukas Kwasniok (44) is noticeable. Waldschmidt praises Kwasniok's commitment and his ability to gain valuable insights from observations.
However, the start of the season was not an everyday occurrence for Waldschmidt. On the first match day he stood out with a precise half-court cross that set up Marius Bülter (32)'s decisive goal in the 1-0 win in Mainz. This cross was not left to chance, but rather a result of Kwasniok's targeted instruction. This illustrates once again how important communication between coach and player is. Waldschmidt describes Kwasniok as crazy about football and obsessed with details, and it's paying off: Since Kwasniok took office in the summer, the team has already won three competitive games.
Waldschmidt's coaching experiences
As Kwasniok is now the 20th coach in Waldschmidt's career, it is clear that the player has experienced many different philosophies in his previous positions. Of the five coaches he worked under at 1. FC Köln, he names Christian Titz (54) and Christian Streich (60) as the most influential.
“I learned a lot from them,” says Waldschmidt, revealing that at 29 he is far from thinking about ending his career. Learning never stops for him, even if his focus at the moment is not just limited to training: he has successfully completed his sports and management studies and is currently devoting himself to learning Spanish, also to help him find his way around everyday life better.
A nice side effect: New signing Cenk Özkacar (24), who previously played in Spain, benefits from Waldschmidt's newly learned language skills. In his opinion, the fact that FC is doing well despite the current upheaval and the many new additions is mainly due to the team dynamics and the dedication of Kwasniok.
Promising talent and future prospects
Another topic of the interview was the promotion of young talent within the FC. Waldschmidt spoke positively about Said El Mala, who attracted attention at the U19 European Championships. His recommendation? To concentrate fully on football and ignore external influences. 1. FC Köln seems to be on the move not only on the pitch, but also off it by specifically promoting young talent.
Waldschmidt's contract with 1. FC Köln is valid until 2027 and he feels comfortable in the city and the club. Cologne could even become his adopted home. With a coach at his side who upholds the value of strategic thinking and communication, the signs are good for Waldschmidt and the Billy Goats. We can only hope that the efforts will soon be reflected in personal successes on the pitch.
In the midst of the many coaching changes in German football, which always happen in these hectic times, FC remains confident. Ultimately, the bond with a coach and the continuity in the team are just as crucial as the individual player qualities. This is the only way the FC can rely on complete success in the current season.express reports about the current season and the importance of Kwasniok during [transfermarkt takes a look at Waldschmidt's career]. In addition, Unibw sheds light on the general dynamics of coaching changes in football and their effects on clubs.