Said El Mala speaks on increased expectations associated with Lukas Podolski’s No. 10 shirt

Cologne attacker Said El Mala has admitted feeling the weight of increased expectations after marking his first Bundesliga home appearance in the club's prestigious No. 10 shirt with a goal. The 20-year-old struck shortly after halftime as Cologne came from behind to secure a 3-2 victory over TSG Hoffenheim on the opening weekend of the Bundesliga campaign. El Mala's equalizer arrived after he had missed a major opportunity shortly before the break.

Much of Köln's attacking outlook this season rests on their young star. Get German Football News highlighted El Mala's importance to René Wagner's plans in our 2026/27 tactical preview , with the winger ultimately conforming to GGFN expectations by remaining in the cathedral city following an extended summer of transfer speculation. Saturday also represented El Mala's first home match wearing a number carrying considerable symbolic weight in Köln.

The last Effzeh player to wear No. 10 at the RheinEnergieStadion had been club legend Lukas Podolski in May 2012. Asked whether he felt the responsibility that now accompanies his status, El Mala did not attempt to dismiss it.

El Mala on the burden of increased expectations

"I think there's definitely a lot of weight on my shoulders," El Mala told Sky Germany in his post-match interview. "I'd be lying if I said no."

El Mala's missed first-half chance – TSG keeper Oliver Baumann denied him in the 40th minute – only increased the frustration before the breakthrough arrived after the interval. The Krefeld native notched a crucial equalizer six minutes after the restart. A penalty save from Marvin Schwäbe on Max Moerstedt and a brace from the newly arrived Thijs Dallinga ensured that die Geißböcke pulled out a 3-2 home victory.

"I had a little anger inside me and just somehow hit the ball," El Mala added of his deflected equalizer whilst speaking in the mixed zone. "I was a little lucky that it still hit the player [Hoffenheim defender Bernardo]."

"A weight came off my shoulders," El Mala said.

The youngster was later forced off with cramp in the 65th minute, but remained determined to embrace the responsibility accompanying his new shirt number.

"I wear the number with pride," El Mala said. "It's something very special and I work hard for it every day. I want to show the fans that as well."