Cologne, Germany – 1. FC Köln have parted ways with head coach Łukasz Kwasniok, the club confirmed on Saturday, March 22, 2026, following a recent run of poor form that has left them battling against relegation from the Bundesliga. The decision comes after a dramatic 3-3 draw at home against rivals Borussia Mönchengladbach, a result that highlighted the team’s struggles despite flashes of attacking promise.
The dismissal marks a swift end to Kwasniok’s tenure with the Billy Goats, having been appointed in June 2025. While Köln initially showed promise under the Polish-German manager, a concerning seven-match winless streak plunged the club into a precarious position in the league table. They currently sit 15th in the Bundesliga, just above the relegation zone, with 26 points.
Sporting director Thomas Kessler had avoided directly backing Kwasniok after the derby match, stating, “It’s clear that you have to turn some screws to be able to win a football match again.” He added that the club would “discuss many things openly and rationally” to determine the best course of action. That action, was a change in the dugout.
Kwasniok, a former player and manager for SC Paderborn, took over a newly promoted Köln side and initially instilled a sense of optimism. However, the team’s inability to consistently convert performances into results proved to be his undoing. The club’s form deteriorated significantly after a promising start to the season, raising serious concerns about their ability to remain in the top flight.
Despite the mounting pressure, Kwasniok remained defiant, publicly stating his commitment to the job. “I will fight for this job with everything I have,” he said after the Mönchengladbach match. “Because I absolutely believe that I am the right man in the right place, with the right team in the right club.” That sentiment was echoed by midfielder Eric Martel, who acknowledged the team’s struggles with converting performances into points. “I notice how we train. It’s really decent. Everyone is working their butt off,” Martel said. “I see how we play. It’s actually really good, from the performances, you have to say. What we lack, unfortunately, are the results. We’re not getting them.”
Reports from the German news agency dpa indicated that discussions regarding Kwasniok’s future took place at the club’s facilities on Saturday. The manager reportedly left the grounds after approximately 20 minutes, reportedly telling fans, “Not much is happening here today. I’m going to enjoy the sun.”
René Wagner, a current member of the coaching staff, has been appointed as caretaker manager while the club searches for a permanent replacement. Wagner will be tasked with stabilizing the team and steering them clear of relegation in the remaining matches of the season. The immediate priority will be to address the defensive vulnerabilities that have plagued Köln in recent weeks and to find a way to unlock the team’s attacking potential.
The situation at Köln underscores the intense pressure faced by managers in the Bundesliga, where expectations are high and the stakes are considerable. Relegation from the Bundesliga carries significant financial consequences for clubs, making the fight to stay in the league a fiercely contested battle. Köln’s decision to change managers reflects their determination to avoid that fate.
The club’s next match is scheduled for [insert date and time of next match, verified], against [insert opponent, verified]. Wagner will be hoping to secure a positive result in his first match in charge to provide a much-needed boost to the team’s morale and their chances of survival.
Fans can follow updates on the club’s official website at [insert official website, verified] and on their social media channels for the latest news and information.
