FC Köln’s official press conference, shared on the club’s official YouTube channel, gives a clear picture of the team’s mindset ahead of their away match against St. Pauli. Head coach René Wagner spoke openly about preparation, confidence, and the importance of the next game.
Wagner began by confirming that only long-term injuries are keeping players out, which leaves the squad in a strong position going into this important fixture. He also spoke about the impact of the recent win over Bremen, explaining how it has helped the team mentally.
First of all, we now have three more points. That has naturally given the team a bit of self-confidence. I found the two weeks before that were already with the necessary focus and the necessary ease. Therefore, it certainly didn’t hurt, but rather helped. But I can’t see a big difference there now; on the contrary, the boys seem a bit more focused because they simply know that we now have a huge opportunity at St. Pauli and we want to take it together.
The message is simple. The team is more confident, but still fully focused on the task ahead. Köln know that every point matters at this stage of the season.
Reflecting on earlier challenges, the squad has already seen how tough top-level football can be. In the cup, Harry Kane played a key role as Bayern Munich produced a strong comeback win in the DFB-Pokal. That experience remains a reminder of the level required.
Looking ahead to St. Pauli, Wagner made it clear that there is no room for distraction.
We are only looking at the game against St. Pauli and are not worrying about what might happen afterwards. We want to win the game, and afterwards, we will know how it would feel if we won. Of course, that would be great for us, but we have a difficult opponent and a difficult away game. We are far from saying we are just going there to take it as just one game because we have a few more after that. We know exactly that this is an important game for us and we want to collect three points there. If we collect the three points, then the table will look much better than it does now.
He also pointed to what worked well in the last match and what must continue.
I am happy that the boys rewarded themselves and that we had a lot of personnel in the box. We were rewarded directly with the first action with a penalty for us, and we must continue to build on that. I think it was a theme for the last three weeks that we want to settle more in the opponent’s half. We managed that with one more player, but the goal is to do it in 11 against 11. These are things we are taking with us to Hamburg. The substitutes must always bring energy, and the boys who start must have the energy on the pitch from the beginning. That is the only way for us.
Across the game, strong individual performances continue to make the difference. Michael Olise recently stood out in a major clash involving Real Madrid, showing how decisive moments often come from players willing to step up.
Wagner also praised the growth of players like Isak and Said, pointing out their focus and willingness to improve. He wants them to stay flexible, work hard, and take responsibility when chances come.
Softfootball believes the mood around Köln feels real and grounded. There is belief in the squad, but also an understanding that nothing has been achieved yet.
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With strong support expected in Hamburg, Köln head into the match knowing it is a big opportunity. The focus now is simple. Stay disciplined, take chances, and fight for the points.
