Köln and Soldo part ways

(GSM) – Köln have parted ways with coach Zvonimir Soldo following their latest defeat in a series of disappointing performances.

Following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Hannover, Die Geißböcke were left lurching in the relegation zone with just two wins from their opening nine games.

The board have now acted ahead of Tuesday’s DFB-Pokal clash with 1860 Munich, with Frank Schafer, previously the coach of the Under-23 side, taking over on a caretaker basis.

A statement on the club website read: “Köln and Zvonimir Soldo this afternoon ended their co-operation.

“The board and management of the club have jointly taken the decision after a detailed analysis. Frank Schafer, formerly coach of the Under-23 side, will take training and lead the team in Tuesday’s DFB-Pokal game against 1860 Munich.”

Earlier Soldo admitted the writing was on the wall. He led the club’s training session on Sunday morning, but admitted it could have been his last.

“I spoke to the players but that is all I can do,” he told reporters. “It’s hard to say whether I will be coach still on Tuesday. You have got to be ready for everything. I have been in the business long enough to know that when the points don’t arrive, you have always got to have your bags packed ready.”