Köln began their pre-season schedule with an emphatic 5-0 victory over academy partner club FC Rheinsüd Köln. The comfortable win marked René Wagner’s first friendly in charge and offered valuable match minutes to several squad members ahead of the new campaign.
First-half goals set the tone
Luca Waldschmidt, who enters the final year of his contract, broke the deadlock after quarter of an hour. Youssoupha Niang then doubled the advantage before the interval with a well-taken header, leaving Köln in a commanding position at the break.
Said El Mala featured during the opening period for Effzeh. His older brother Malek, linked in reports to complications surrounding Said’s failed transfer to Brentford, also appeared in the fixture and contributed to the attacking display.
Second-half rotation pays off
Manager René Wagner made sweeping changes for the second half, replacing the entire outfield line-up with the exception of young centre-back Yannick Mausehund. The alterations did not disrupt the rhythm as Köln added three further goals against their local opponents.
Marius Bülter marked his appearance with a brace, converting both a first-time finish and a penalty-kick. Malek El Mala also found the net with an excellent finish, though the 21-year-old is yet to make a competitive appearance for the senior side.
Fixtures pile up
The victory serves as preparation for a demanding start to the competitive season. Köln commence their Bundesliga season at home to Hoffenheim, one of Bülter’s former employers. That league fixture follows a DFB-Pokal first-round tie away to third-tier Würzburger Kickers.
Waldschmidt’s involvement comes amid ongoing questions about his long-term future, with his current deal set to expire in 12 months. Wagner will hope the forward can maintain his scoring form as the club aims to establish greater consistency in the top flight.