Rene Wagner frustrated by Köln's second-half drop-off: 'We lost a bit of courage'

Rene Wagner believes that FC Köln lost some of their courage in possession during the second half of their clash with Werder Bremen. 

The Billy Goats had led through Linton Maina, before Niclas Füllkrug equalised after the break, while visitors Bremen enjoyed a strong second half. 

Köln boss Wagner feels that the contrast was noticeable. 

“I think we had a few problems in the second half of the last two games, but today it was exactly the other way around,” he told Sky Sports after the game. 

"We have to talk about why, in those phases, we lacked a little bit of courage - both in the high press and with the ball. 

“We chose the long ball too often, and then, of course, it becomes difficult.”

Wagner did credit the visitors, though, after Bremen took control of periods of the second half. 

"I think Bremen did that really well, especially for 20 or 25 minutes in the second half. In the end, unfortunately, we conceded from a set-piece. 

“Nevertheless, looking at both the first and second halves, I think a point was deserved for both teams.”

Wagner was keen to apply context to the evening though.

“We've got four points from three games now, and we're unbeaten at home. That's important for us,” he said.

"We started the season against two strong opponents, and now we haven't lost against a team that I think will probably be somewhere around our region of the table. 

“So for us, first of all, today is of course a point gained. What disappoints me a little more is that we lost some courage with the ball and stopped continuing to attack in the same way.”