Kwasniok's successful move with Bülter and praise for the boss

Great celebrations: Marius Bülter scored the decisive goal in FC's 1-0 victory. Picture alliance / Hasan Bratic

The match winner's first words were for the assist provider. "It was simply a superb cross from Luca," Marius Bülter rightly enthused about Luca Waldschmidt 's pass in the 90th minute of 1. FC Köln's match against Mainz 05. Waldschmidt delivered a smooth cross into the penalty area from midfield, while Bülter eluded his markers Danny da Costa and Stefan Bell and headed in the winning goal with barely any contact. "I didn't have to do much; he played a huge part in it," Bülter praised.

A goal that, following their 2-1 DFB Cup victory against Jahn Regensburg, ensured the promoted team's perfect start to the season – and is already generating a sense of euphoria in Cologne. At the same time, however, the Cologne team is well aware that not everything is running smoothly. "We didn't play perfectly, conceding a lot of attacks and free kicks," complained Bülter, who, like in Regensburg, was in the starting lineup. Mainz still had chances to score despite being down to ten men, even after Paul Nebel's sending off in the 60th minute.

On the other hand, the Billy Goats didn't really concede much, with five chances for the home team compared to six for the visitors. And, man advantage or not, Mainz is, after all, a European Cup participant, so Bülter concluded: "It was our first game in this configuration and, for some, their first Bundesliga game. So, we did really well. The best thing was that we were really good defensively."

Coach Lukas Kwasniok found his team's performance in the first half "a bit shaky" and "not quite as courageous" as hoped. He also admitted, however: "You're in the Bundesliga, you want to make it. That's why safety first is the order of the day." A motto he abandoned with an extra man on the pitch, as evidenced by four noticeably offensive substitutions.

Among other things, the introduction of Waldschmidt paid off; just as in Regensburg, a substitute was crucial. Substitute Ragnar Ache helped initiate the turnaround with two assists. Even more important, however, was the move with Bülter: He started as a central striker, then moved to the right and toiled in the back five before Kwasniok again deployed the new signing from Hoffenheim to the center of attack alongside Ache. With success.

"Bülti shows that he's Bundesliga-level in many small aspects of football," praised the coach, adding: "Many players have qualities, but they're only good enough for the second division because they don't understand the game properly, don't put their bodies in the right place at the right moment, and don't commit to a foul. Bülti, on the other hand, brings attributes that help us because he can play in all positions up front and has worked the right flank." A transfer that, thanks to his work ethic and flexibility, seems to be a perfect fit for Kwasniok – which he acknowledged with praise for his sporting director Thomas Kessler: "In that respect: cool move by Kess."

However, Kwasniok doesn't see a permanent solution with Ache and Bülter at the center of attack: "Basically, the approach is different for now." And the late goals shouldn't become a permanent fixture either. "I wouldn't call it luck; we've earned it," Bülter clarified. The 32-year-old hopes: "Last week will certainly give us a boost and bring the team together."