Kwasniok warns against hype around Köln wonderkid El Mala

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·18 de octubre de 2025

Kwasniok warns against hype around Köln wonderkid El Mala

1. FC Köln head coach Lukas Kwasniok has called for restraint amid the growing media hype surrounding young winger Said El Mala, warning that excessive attention could harm the teenager’s development.

Speaking to the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung”, Kwasniok addressed the wave of speculation that has followed El Mala’s breakout performances in the Bundesliga. In recent weeks, the 19-year-old has been linked with top clubs - including FC Bayern - following an impressive start to the season that has seen him score two goals and provide one assist in just six appearances.

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While the excitement is understandable, Kwasniok believes the current media environment is creating unrealistic expectations.

“I can’t stop it, but parts of the industry seem to feel such pressure that they’ll publish anything,” he said. “Then the next one tries to top it - without any basis. That’s simply not okay. No journalist faces consequences for such claims, but how is a young player supposed to handle it?”

El Mala’s rapid rise has been reflected not only on the pitch but also off it. His market value recently skyrocketed from €3 million to €18 million according to "Transfermarkt", making him one of the most valuable players in Köln’s history - behind only names like Jonas Hector, Anthony Modeste, and Lukas Podolski.

He also earned silver at the Fritz-Walter Medal awards, cementing his reputation as one of Germany’s most exciting prospects.

Despite these achievements, Kwasniok insists on keeping both feet on the ground. Using a vivid metaphor, he compared the public’s infatuation with young talents to “first love”:

“It’s comparable to your first love when you’re 14,” he explained. “There are many talented boys who experience that early rush of attention - and quite often, it leads to breaks in their careers that can’t be repaired.”

The coach’s message was clear: patience and balance are essential.

“I’m simply appealing to reason,” Kwasniok added. “If we’re not careful, it can turn into a carnival in the head.”

Meanwhile, El Mala’s agent has already attempted to temper the speculation, stressing that a move away from Cologne is not on the agenda.

“As things stand, there is absolutely no reason for him to leave 1. FC Köln,” the agent said.

For now, both club and player appear united in their approach: focusing on steady development rather than being swept up by the noise. In a football world where hype often burns brighter than reality, Kwasniok’s warning serves as a timely reminder - sometimes, protecting a young player’s future means slowing things down.