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Cologne 2026/27 season preview: Will the Saïd El Mala factor make the difference?
The appointment of René Wagner as head coach in the second half of the season helped Cologne narrowly avoid relegation last term. But after a feel-good summer in which star winger Saïd El Mala signed a new contract at the club, much more is expected of the Billy Goats heading into 2026/27.
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Cologne
2025/26 finish: 14th
Pre-season results: 5-0 win vs. Rheinsud Köln, 8-0 win vs. Bergisch Gladbach, 2-2 draw vs. Hertha Berlin, 2-1 win vs. Real Sociedad
First three fixtures: Hoffenheim (H), Stuttgart (A), Werder Bremen (H)
What to expect?
First and foremost, Cologne will want to avoid a repeat of last season's nervy end to the season, in which a poor run of form saw them get sucked back into a relegation battle. The loss of Jakub Kamiński and Eric Martel - two of their most consistent performers - won't exactly help in this regard. However, sporting director Thomas Kessler has used the funds generated from their exits to add some much-needed squad depth over the summer.
Watch: Gil Neves under the spotlight
Editorial note
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