Cologne manager Lukas Kwasniok has insisted he won’t change his relationship with Said El-Mala, despite it reportedly pushing the player towards joining Brighton and Hove Albion.
Fussball Transfers cover comments from the Cologne boss today. And it seems he’s unconcerned about the recent coverage of the 19-year-old.
Brighton have been targeting El-Mala since the summer transfer window. They failed with a bid at that point but have continued to try and get him since. That’s continued and they’re working hard to get him ahead of the competition.
Brighton January efforts
Sport Witness have covered various reports about their efforts this month. A report at the beginning of the month stated that the Seagulls had made a formal, written offer. That included offering El-Mala 10x his current wage packet.
Then a report earlier this week detailed the extra effort they were going to. Brighton are reportedly planning new talks for the youngster. They’re even going to sign his brother to keep him happy.
His happiness is key to the whole thing. Those same reports explained that El-Mala had opened the door to Brighton because of a frosty relationship with Cologne manager Lukas Kwasniok.
Kwasniok has now responded and has no intention of changing his approach with the forward.
“We have a very good relationship,” he said.
“I’m his mentor, his coach, not a fan. That’s the difference. I love him the way I love my children. They also need some distance now and then to find their own way, and then you take them back in your arms at the right moment. That’s a completely normal process.
“Last week we had the very first press conference where there were no questions about him, and the young man 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 yet either.
“He’s a fine young man, and I’ll never change my opinion about that. We won’t change how we treat him; we’ll continue to support him and make sure he makes progress. I like him a lot, and I think he likes me too.”
Cologne’s changing tone
Kwasniok’s comments represent something of a continued tone change at Cologne regarding El-Mala.
When Brighton first moved for him, it was a consistent no, he will not be sold attitude alongside doing their utmost to get the best out of him.
Now it appears they, and Kwasniok, are hardening somewhat. They’re not pushing El-Mala to the kerb, but it appears they’re not changing everything about themselves for him either. And that may be pushing the transfer door open in the process.