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Köln Coach Moves to Defuse Ultras Rift After Protest Banner

Club officials describe a constructive dialogue with fan leaders, with the sporting director stating Lukas Kwasniok has full backing.

Overview

  • After the 2–2 draw in Heidenheim, Köln ultras displayed a large "KWASNI YOK" banner, using a Turkish slang term for "no" or "nothing" to signal disapproval of the coach.
  • Kwasniok said he initially missed the banner, had it translated, acknowledged it affected him, and noted the issues have been addressed internally.
  • Sporting director Thomas Kessler said discussions with fans are underway and called them good, adding that Kwasniok retains the club’s full support.
  • Board members have been reported to be engaging with ultras to ease tensions before Wednesday’s home match against Bayern Munich.
  • Kwasniok defended limiting minutes for top scorer Said El Mala to maximize late-game impact, as the team enters the Bayern match on a seven-game winless run.