Said El Mala’s Performance Draws Attention Amid Tactical Changes at FC Köln

FC Köln’s emerging talent, Said El Mala, is generating significant buzz as the November international break approaches. However, the 19-year-old’s recent Bundesliga performance left much to be desired, as he was substituted after just 45 minutes, with his team trailing Borussia Mönchengladbach by only a single goal.

Head coach Lukas Kwasniok, known for his candid assessments, did not hold back in explaining his decision. El Mala, who started alongside Marius Bülter in a 3-4-1-2 formation, was not removed for tactical reasons, as some might speculate.

“He wasn’t good, so I took him off,” Kwasniok stated during the post-match press conference. “It’s as simple as that. He didn’t perform defensively as I would have liked.”

Despite Kwasniok’s assertion, El Mala’s substitution was indeed part of a tactical adjustment. Following his exit, Bülter shifted to El Mala’s position while Ragnar Ache, who has been in good form recently, filled the right side. Jakub Kaminski then advanced to replace Florian Kainz, who was also substituted at halftime, while newcomer Sebastian Sebulonsen took over Kaminski’s role at right wingback.

The revised formation remained a 3-1-4-2, but the shifting of positions and rotation aimed to unsettle Gladbach’s well-organized man-marking defense. This strategy proved somewhat effective, as El Mala struggled to cope with American Bundesliga veteran Joe Scally, who successfully contained him despite being three years younger and having played 120 fewer Bundesliga matches.