Köln coach Lukas Kwasniok plays down report of strain with Said El Mala | OneFootball

A recent Sport Bild report suggested that 1. FC Köln coach Lukas Kwasniok and 19-year-old rising star Said El Mala are not on the best of terms.

However, Kwasniok has now firmly denied the claims in an interview with Sky Germany.

“We have a very good relationship. I am his mentor, his coach, not a fan – that’s the difference. I love him like my own children,” Kwasniok explained, adding: 

"Sometimes a bit of distance is needed so they can find their own way, and then you embrace them again at the right moment. It’s a completely normal process.

“Last week, we had our first press conference where there wasn’t a single question about him, and he has to deal with that – it’s not easy. I rarely go out to eat with players, and I haven’t done that with Said either. He’s a great kid, and my opinion of him will never change. We will continue to guide him and help him take steps forward. I like him a lot, and I think he likes me too.”

Next up for Kwasniok, El Mala and Köln is Saturday’s trip to Stuttgart.