FC Köln Tackles Set Piece Woes Amid La Nucia Camp as Victory Bolsters Confidence

During their January training camp in La Nucia, FC Köln faced persistent challenges with set pieces, a critical area highlighted by coach Lukas Kwasniok. Despite heavy rain on the fourth day, Kwasniok dedicated about 30 minutes to practicing various corner strategies, including targeting near and far posts with both low and high deliveries. The session, however, ended without a goal, prompting Kwasniok’s frustration: "There is no conviction behind it!" He emphasized the need for assertiveness and effective movement in the penalty area.

Köln currently holds the worst Bundesliga record for goals scored from set pieces, scoring only two goals with a 9% conversion rate and still awaiting their first corner goal this season. Defensively, they have conceded 13 goals from set pieces, the most in the league, with six headed goals allowed, underlining their vulnerability.

Despite these struggles, club president Jörn Stobbe took part in the training and watched the afternoon’s test match against FC Lugano. The friendly proved successful as Köln secured a 2:1 win, ending a six-game winless streak. Coach Kwasniok rotated the lineup between halves, introducing rising talents and strategic changes. Marius Bülter opened the scoring in the first half, while Lugano’s goalkeeper error nearly led to an equalizer. The match saw an equalizer by Kevin Behrens for Lugano before Köln’s Maina netted the winner in the 80th minute.

This victory provides a morale boost ahead of their Bundesliga opener against Heidenheim. The camp highlighted both tactical challenges and promising signs of resolve as Köln seeks to improve its set-piece efficiency and overall performance.