Overview
- Thomas Kessler praised interim coach René Wagner on Thursday and said he remains interim through season’s end with any decision to follow a full review.
- Köln needs a draw in Sunday’s home match against 1. FC Heidenheim to secure its place in Germany’s top division.
- Kessler said the big pressure has eased but warned the game will not be a walkover because Heidenheim still has a path to stay up.
- Asked about reports on teenager Said El Mala, Kessler said there is no offer on the table that requires a quick decision.
- Wagner took over at the end of March from Lukas Kwasniok and won praise for making small tactical tweaks at key moments.