Köln coach Lukas Kwasniok plays down report of strain with Said El Mala

1. FC Köln coach Lukas Kwasniok has dismissed suggestions of tension between him and rising star Said El Mala.

A recent Sport Bild report suggested that 1. FC Köln coach Lukas Kwasniok and 19-year-old rising star Said El Mala are not on the best of terms.

However, Kwasniok has now firmly denied the claims in an interview with Sky Germany.

“We have a very good relationship. I am his mentor, his coach, not a fan – that’s the difference. I love him like my own children,” Kwasniok explained, adding: 

“Sometimes a bit of distance is needed so they can find their own way, and then you embrace them again at the right moment. It’s a completely normal process.

“Last week, we had our first press conference where there wasn’t a single question about him, and he has to deal with that – it’s not easy. I rarely go out to eat with players, and I haven’t done that with Said either. He’s a great kid, and my opinion of him will never change. We will continue to guide him and help him take steps forward. I like him a lot, and I think he likes me too.”

Next up for Kwasniok, El Mala and Köln is Saturday’s trip to Stuttgart.