Schaefer: Podolski will help Cologne

Lukas Podolski is ready to give his all to help Cologne stay in the Bundesliga, according to boss Frank Schaefer.

Schaefer’s men head into the final round of fixtures in the relegation play-off spot (16th), five points behind Augsburg.

However, Cologne are just two points above Hertha Berlin in 17th and will need to match or better Hertha’s result against Hoffenheim when they play Bayern at home to remain in their current place.

Schafer said star striker Podolski can fully focus on steering the club away from relegation after the Germany international finalised his summer move to Arsenal on Monday, ending months of uncertainty.

“Clarity releases much energy. Lukas is relieved (to have completed the transfer), this has been evident to me,” the interim boss told Deutsche Presse-Agentur.

“(But) the main issue is the game on Sunday against Bayern Munich.”

Arsenal will reportedly pay 13.5 million euros for Podolski, who has earned 93 international caps for Germany and scored 43 goals.