1. FC Köln and Lukas Kwasniok have gone their separate ways. The decision came a day after the 3:3 Derby draw against Borussia Mönchengladbach. Alongside Lukas Kwasniok, Assistant Coach Frank Kaspari has also left the club. René Wagner will take immediate charge of the first-team on an interim basis.
“On Sunday, we spoke very intensively about our current situation and came to the decision that we wanted an impulse for the final phase of the season at the Head Coach position. Lukas’ football knowledge and his expertise are undoubted. He prepared our team with a huge amount of care and high engagement for the games. Despite the passionate and stabile performances, there was a clear downward trend in our development to be seen. We have picked up too few points – that is the reality. In light of that and after an intensive analysis, we came to the decision to part ways with Lukas. We thank him for his work at FC and wish him all the best for the future,” said FC Managing Director, Thomas Kessler.
Lukas Kwasniok joined FC in summer 2025 from SC Paderborn 07 and signed a contract until 2028. Kwasniok was FC coach for 29 games, including the DFB-Pokal ties against SSV Jahn Regensburg and FC Bayern München. In 27 Bundesliga games, the 44-year-old picked up 26 points.
The preparation for the upcoming Bundesliga game against Eintracht Frankfurt will be led by René Wagner, starting on Monday, 3pm.
“We are convinced that René, alongside our Coaching Staff and our team, will reach our goal. Our team has the necessary quality, the mentality and the required desire. We know and value René since the first time he was at FC as Assistant Coach and showed he is a footballing expert. Whilst with Hamburger SV and Union Berlin, as well as in his current role since the start of the season and his UEFA Pro Licence in England, he has collected valuable experience. He knows the team, has a good relationship with the players and we trust him fully to turn the good performances into positive results,” added Kessler.
“The responsibility that FC has given me is something that I will work on with the same dedication and the same commitment as my previous roles. Together with the team, my Coaching Staff, our Backroom Staff and with the support of the entire club, I will do everything to keep us in the Bundesliga,” said René Wagner.