Kwasniok ready to go: 1. FC Köln's new coach brings a breath of fresh air!

Kwasniok ready to go: 1. FC Köln's new coach brings a breath of fresh air!

Lukas Kwasniok is the new hope at 1. FC Köln. The 43-year-old coach, who has caused a sensation at SC Paderborn in recent years, has officially started working for the Billy Goats. On Monday at 3:10 p.m. Kwasniok entered the Geißbockheim, accompanied by Cologne's technical director Lukas Berg. After a brief handshake, he was quickly led to the FC headquarters. The anticipation of his new challenge is clearly noticeable, as he himself emphasizes: “I’m really looking forward to the task in Cologne.” reports the FC.

Younger than his age would suggest, his first day in the new role was full of activities: Kwasniok used the time to take a tour of the billy goat home, familiarize himself with the training areas, the cabins and his office. He will lead the team in training from July 7th and is already planning talks with sports boss Thomas Kessler to tackle the squad changes. The new coach is closely involved in squad planning, as FC still has to resolve a number of issues, especially after the transfer backlog that arose following the signings of Ragnar Ache and Isak Johannesson the BILD knows.

Squad planning in focus

But Kwasniok approaches the challenge with a clear plan. At least five new players are to be added to the squad, including a striker, a central defender, a six-man, a right-back and a second goalkeeper. In addition, a replacement for Max Finkgräfe could be necessary if he moves to Hoffenheim. “I will decide which players can leave the club and which will remain in preparation,” Kwasniok said says the Bundesliga.

The stations in Kwasniok's career range from the successful time at FC Carl Zeiss Jena to FC Saarbrücken, where he led the team to the DFB Cup semi-finals. In Paderborn he established the team as one of the best in the 2nd Bundesliga. This is the 43-year-old's first time on the sidelines in the Bundesliga and expectations are high. He also brings his assistants Frank Kaspari and René Wagner with him, while the fitness and goalkeeper trainers remain with the team.

A new phase of life in Cologne

Kwasniok has signed a contract until June 30, 2028, but he is not only required as a coach. He also has to reorient himself in his personal life because he is looking for a new place to live in Cologne. As he noted, he wants to quickly familiarize himself with the new environment in order to start his work effectively and with a good hand.

His first official press conference will take place on Wednesday, and the excitement about what he will announce there is growing. The coming weeks could be crucial for the composition of the squad and therefore also for the sporting goals of 1. FC Köln.