Lukas Kwasniok Departs Cologne Following Poor Run of Form
Cologne has parted ways with head coach Lukas Kwasniok and co-trainer Frank Kaspari following a seven-game winless streak, the club announced on Monday. The decision comes despite Cologne’s ongoing fight to remain in the Bundesliga.
Lukas Kwasniok (44/r.) and Frank Kaspari (55) were relieved of their duties after the 27th matchday
A Respectful Departure
Kwasniok and Kaspari were given the opportunity to address the team one last time at the RheinEnergie Stadion on Monday evening. Players not currently on international duty attended the meeting, where Kwasniok expressed his gratitude and wished the team well in their relegation battle. This contrasts with the departure of his predecessor, Gerhard Struber, who was not afforded a similar opportunity to say goodbye to the team during his dismissal in 2025.
Sporting director Thomas Kessler personally informed Kwasniok of the decision on Sunday, emphasizing the need for a respectful conversation. Kessler stated, “It has to do with respect to sit down together personally. I communicated the decision to him very factually. It’s not always uncomplicated to talk for a long time right after such a decision, but we sat together for a while and discussed the points.” He added that Kwasniok was understandably disappointed, but had thoroughly analyzed the situation and continued to strive for the team’s goals until the very end.
René Wagner has taken over as Kwasniok’s replacement.