Lukas Kwasniok has agreed to become the new head coach of "1. FC Köln", signing a four-year contract that runs until June 30, 2028. The 43-year-old manager leaves his position at "SC Paderborn" to take on this new challenge in Cologne.
"I was thinking about taking some time for myself, but when Thomas Kessler contacted me, I knew immediately. Köln is a special club and I couldn't say no," – Kwasniok explained about his decision.
The Polish-born coach brings significant experience despite having his playing career cut short by injury during his formative years at Karlsruher SC. That setback ultimately pushed him toward coaching – a path where he's found considerable success.
Thomas Kessler, Köln's sporting director, didn't hide his enthusiasm about the appointment. He specifically highlighted Kwasniok's track record at Paderborn, praising his ability to build teams with clear identity, attractive playing style, and commitment to developing young talent.
Interestingly, this isn't Kwasniok's first rebuilding project. Before his stint at "SC Paderborn" that began in 2021, he managed "FC Carl Zeiss Jena" and "1. FC Saarbrücken" – achieving promotion to 3. Liga with the latter while also guiding them to a surprising German Cup semifinal appearance.
Kwasniok has steadily built his reputation in German football circles, establishing "Paderborn" as one of the most competitive teams in the second division. His appointment represents a fresh start for "Köln" as they look to rejuvenate their fortunes.
Will Kwasniok's modern approach and proven ability to develop young players translate to success at a club with Köln's stature? The fans certainly hope so.
