FC Köln coach Wagner plans three changes for Union Berlin cup match

Köln enters Tuesday night’s DFB-Pokal second-round fixture against Union Berlin under severe pressure, with head coach René Wagner preparing three lineup changes for the 20:45 local time kickoff at the Rhein-Energie-Stadion.

A Hollow Feeling in North Rhine-Westphalia

The match marks the first half of a unique double-header between the two Bundesliga clubs. Yet internal turbulence currently dominates the environment at Köln.

The club sits twelfth in the Bundesliga standings with eight points from their opening matches. Wagner acknowledged a hollow feeling in his stomach after supporters directed chants of dismissal toward him during a home draw against FC Schalke 04.

The DFB-Pokal’s traditional “winner stays” rule provides an unforgiving backdrop as Wagner attempts to steer his squad past formidable cup opposition.

Continuity on the Capital Side

Union Berlin arrives emphasizing stability over experimentation. Head coach Mauro Lustrinelli highlighted continuity as his primary objective during his pre-match press conference, noting that his team will avoid extensive rotation despite a packed calendar.

The capital club enters the contest following a historic cup pedigree that includes a final appearance in 2001 and a semifinal run in 2022.

Fitness Hurdles in the Final Third

Tactical continuity remains central to Union Berlin’s approach, though injuries continue to test the squad’s depth in the final attacking third.

Forward Andrej Ilic is sidelined due to injury. Youth prospect Mekhi Gray stands as the primary candidate to fill the physical profile required in the forward line.

In midfield, Kastriot Imeri returns to the available pool for the visitors. Central defender Felix Uduokhai remains a questionable option heading into kickoff.

Sky Sport 7 Holds Exclusive Broadcast Rights

Broadcast arrangements for the knockout tie exclude free-to-air television coverage in Germany. The single match broadcasts exclusively on pay-television via Sky Sport 7, alongside coverage on streaming services Sky Go, WOW, and RTL+.

Following Tuesday’s cup encounter, the two teams will travel to Berlin for a swift rematch in the Bundesliga on Sunday at 15:30 local time at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei.

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