1. FC Koln has significantly restricted fan access to training sessions under new head coach René Wagner. The 38-year-old manager, who took charge for the first time this season, views training as the Bundesliga club's greatest asset that must be protected. Bild Sport reported on the policy change this week.
Wagner, who trained in England and is accustomed to different, more intimate conditions, emphasized his responsibility to prepare players optimally for matchdays. "Training is the greatest asset we have, every day. For me, there is nothing greater than training and it must be protected," the coach said. The presence of up to 1,000 spectators could be disadvantageous, as conversations with players would need to be quieter and moments could be lost.
Why is Koln locking out fans?
The club has no other training facility in the Bundesliga as accessible and heavily visited as Geißbockheim. Concentrated work sometimes becomes difficult, especially during holiday periods. Wagner aims to find a middle ground between traditional fan proximity and professional preparation. He must ensure the players are doing well, and direct, harsh talks in front of an audience could be uncomfortable for the professionals.
Sporting director Thomas Kessler, 40, stressed that the club had discussed the measure intensively. "We are a very approachable club and are extremely proud of that. We want to remain approachable, but of course professionalism also deserves its due," Kessler stated. The club does not want to give the impression that it doesn't want fans at Geißbockheim. The team relies on emotional closeness and supporter backing.
How did previous coaches handle this?
The previous interim coach Lukas Kwasniok, 45, had already maximally restricted fan access on two days per week. Long-time former coach Steffen Baumgart, 54, completely avoided non-public training sessions. Under Wagner, three secret training units took place from Wednesday to Friday ahead of the upcoming match.
Which players are currently unavailable?
The personnel situation is tense, as shown by the current injury status. Alongside Timo Hübers and Said El Mala, Sebastian Sebulonsen and Thijs Dallinga are also sidelined. These absences make focused preparation even more important.
What's next on the schedule?
The next test for Wagner's new methods is the home game against Werder Bremen on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 18:30. The complete planning of upcoming matches can be tracked on the fixtures page. The team aims to convert the concentrated preparation into success and move up in the standings. For now, Geißbockheim remains a more protected workspace.
