Thomas Kessler's Phone Ritual

FC-Sport-Boss Thomas Kessler (40) has a phone ritual. Every evening after 22:00, a filter is activated on his iPhone, allowing only his wife Melanie, his mother, and his mother-in-law to call him. For eight and a half hours, the former goalkeeper can completely disconnect from the most intense transfer summer in his young career as a functionary. From 06:30, he is again reachable for everyone.

FC Köln's Transfer Summer

His plans for the new season are not only time-consuming, but above all risky! Especially the crazy poker game around Saïd El Mala (19) has kept Kessler on his toes. In the end, the transfer to BVB failed, among other things, because Dortmund did not want to pay the demanded 50 million euros in settlement. That El Mala now stays, was actually considered safe. But now Leipzig is making a move.

The Sixer Position

Facts: The week-long back-and-forth, first with English clubs (Brighton, Brentford), then with BVB, blocked and delayed many transfers. This put Kessler under pressure. Because he did not know how much money he could spend on shopping tour, many commitments were left on the track for a long time. Especially on the most important position in the defensive midfield. The sixer position, internally referred to as the king transfer, should already have been filled with a top player with leadership qualities for weeks. Candidates were plenty (Skhiri/Frankfurt, Álvarez/West Ham, Khedira/Union, Souza/Wolfsburg).

The New Striker

At least: With Thijs Dallinga (26/from Bologna), FC has finally found a new striker, who will make Ragnar Ache (28) competition. The Dutchman is expected to join training soon. Independently of the El-Mala poker, Kessler plans mainly with young players (e.g. Reigan Heskey/18, Mikey Moore/19). The risk: The team lacks experience and hierarchy. Until the remaining newcomers are all there and settled, it will take time. This could lead to problems in the first season phase.

Brave Coach Decision

Kessler also takes a full risk on the coaching position. After his mistake with Lukas Kwasniok (45), he still trusts René Wagner (38). He had taken over in the season finale and saved a draw. His record was modest: six points from seven games. Especially the last home game (1:3 against Heidenheim) and the league final (1:5 in Munich) are remembered by the fans. Despite this, Kessler holds on to Wagner. He sees in him a great coach talent. The two hard tests in Paderborn had already gone into the hole (2:3, 3:4).

Last Game

FC Köln last lost 5:1 against Bayern München (2026-05-16). The team is currently in 12th place in the Bundesliga table. The last four games ended with four losses (LLLL).