Kwasniok Excludes Former Captain from FC Köln Squad Again

The 1. FC Köln is making headlines with a successful season in the Bundesliga, highlighted by record-breaking merchandise sales. The club’s black and gold away jersey, designed in collaboration with the iconic Cologne Cathedral, has become a hit among fans.

Kwasniok Excludes Former Captain Again

In recent developments, coach Lukas Kwasniok has once again excluded former captain Florian Kainz from the squad. This marks the second time this season Kainz has been left out of the lineup for a match, this time against SC Freiburg. Instead, Kwasniok has chosen to include 19-year-old player Youssoupha Niang.

Additionally, Kwasniok made another adjustment to the roster. Winter signing Jahmai Simpson-Pusey is sidelined due to muscle issues. Denis Huseinbasic returns to the squad after recovering from an illness that kept him off the field last weekend.

Record Sales for FC Köln

The performance of FC Köln’s away jersey has been phenomenal. Initially launched last summer, this special edition quickly sold out and became the best-selling jersey in the club’s history. The shirt has now surpassed 50,000 sales, setting a new benchmark for the club. This achievement reflects the deep connection between the fans and the club as well as the Cologne Cathedral.

Philipp Liesenfeld, the club’s marketing director, expressed pride in the jersey’s success. He noted that it captures the emotional ties that residents have with both the FC Köln and the Cathedral, emphasizing their importance to the local identity.

Women’s Team Update

In further news, the women’s team of 1. FC Köln has extended the contract of head coach Britta Carlson until 2028. Carlson joined the club in January 2025 after serving as an assistant coach for the German women’s national team. Under her guidance, the team has shown significant improvement, currently sitting in eighth place with 21 points from 14 matches.

Nicole Bender-Rummler, the club’s sports director, praised Carlson’s influence on the team and highlighted the importance of continuity in promoting women’s football within the club.

• Key Facts:
• Florian Kainz excluded from squad again by Lukas Kwasniok.
• Youssoupha Niang included in the lineup for SC Freiburg match.
• Denis Huseinbasic returns after illness.
• FC Köln away jersey sales exceed 50,000.
• Britta Carlson’s contract extended to 2028.