FC Cologne secures a substantial victory on the debut of Kwasniok - Cologne Football Club secures a dominating victory in Kwasniok's debut game
1. FC Köln commenced their pre-season preparations with a resounding 7-1 victory over SV Bergisch Gladbach 09 on Saturday, 12th July 2025, in the cathedral city of Cologne. This friendly match marked the early tenure of Lukas Kwasniok as the new coach of the Bundesliga side.
Kwasniok, who recently took over the reins, fielded a strong team that included several new signings. One of them, goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler, made his debut in the second half, replacing the incumbent.
The first half of the game saw Linton Maina score two goals for 1. FC Köln, while Steffen Tigges, Ragnar Ache, Etienne Borie, Fayssal Harchaoui, and Luca Waldschmidt also found the back of the net for the home team. SV Bergisch Gladbach managed to score a consolation goal before the break.
In the second half, the game witnessed several substitutions. Tom Krauß was brought into the midfield, and Ragnar Ache, who had just joined from 1. FC Kaiserslautern, was introduced as the central striker. Ache made an immediate impact, scoring his first goal for 1. FC Köln less than a minute after being substituted in. Jakub Kaminski also came on as a wing player in the second half.
Isak Johannesson started in the central offensive midfield for 1. FC Köln, demonstrating his potential under the new coach. The team's performance in this friendly match bodes well for their upcoming Bundesliga season, as they continue their preparations with new transfers and a renewed spirit under Kwasniok's leadership.
[1] Source: Transfer news: Ron-Robert Zieler joins 1. FC Köln (Bild, 2025) [2] Source: 1. FC Köln confirm Lukas Kwasniok as new coach (Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, 2025) [3] Source: 1. FC Köln's pre-season preparations in full swing (Kölner Rundschau, 2025) [4] Source: Lukas Kwasniok discusses his plans for 1. FC Köln (Kölner Express, 2025)
The Commission has also been informed of the progress of the negotiations with the applicant countries, as Lukas Kwasniok, the new coach of 1. FC Köln, is making strategic transfers to bolster his squad, such as the signing of goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler, a European star from a league known for its intense sports competition, particularly football.
