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Despite the fact that the team was able to fight back to nick a point off Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday afternoon, Lukas Kwasniok may have coached his final game for Bundesliga outfit 1. FC Köln. A 3-3 draw in Germany’s famous “Rheinderby” certainly made for thrilling football, but a seven-match winless run in which Köln have only picked up three points simply isn’t good enough.
Newly promoted managing director Thomas Kessler declined to explicitly commit to Kwasniok during his post-match interview. At the post-match press conference, Kwasniok combatively fought for his job; perhaps not helping his case with the anti-media tone he’s been exercising lately. Germany’s Sport Bild tabloid reports that Kwasniok’s latest words have likely done him in.
Thomas Kessler on Lukas Kwasniok’s status at Köln
“We’re naturally disappointed that we only got one point today,” Kessler told Sky Germany. “Unfortunately, we’re in a prolonged slump. The expectation was clearly three points. One point is not enough. We’ll be giving this some thought. I’ll be sleeping on it. We have to analyze the situation objectively and rationally.”
Kwasniok’s post-match interview
“I knew that I came here to fight a relegation battle,” Kwasniok told DAZN “I know that clubs contemplate coaching changes. I’m prepared to fight regardless of how many [personnel] obstacles are thrown in my way. There are the [poor] results of course, but one also has to look at how the team has worked together with the coach over the last few weeks.
“I do this job with dedication and love for this team and this club,” Kwasniok continued. “I’m fully prepared to shake off the setbacks and look forward. We can produce positive headlines both this year and next. I have the power to accomplish this. If someone else wishes to come in, they’ll have to have more.“
Kwasniok at the post-match press conference
“Thomas [Kessler] knows of the quality I have,” Kwasniok, doubling down, added at the post match press conference. “I’m convinced of my ability. They’ll have to find someone more convinced of himself than me. I will fight for this goddamned job. I’m fully convinced. I’m the right man in the right place with the right club and the right team.“
