Schaefer walks out on Cologne

Cologne manager Frank Schaefer has walked out on the club with just three matches remaining in the Bundesliga season.

Schaefer had already decided that he would leave the club at the end of the season, but has resigned with immediate effect on the eve of a crucial period of the season.

Cologne sit 14th, just three points above the relegation zone, and will now be guided by sporting director Volker Finke, who will manage the team for the remaining three games of the season.

“I take the responsibility in my position to make the best decisions for the club and the team,” Schaefer told the club’s official website.

“In view of recent results and in particular of the way we’ve played I have come to the decision that for the remaining games the team urgently needs another change and above all new impetus.”

“I have come to the realisation that at the moment I can no longer help the team in the way I consider necessary and therefore have decided to take this step.”

Schaefer’s decision to leave three games before the end of the season is made even more puzzling by the fact he only took over last November, when he replaced Zvonimir Soldo.

Cologne president Wolfgang Overath admitted the club was surprised by Schaefer’s decision, but said they were now focused on ensuring the team remained in the top flight next season.

“The board and management have tried jointly to persuade Frank Schaefer to change his decision to resign the post at such short notice,” Overath said.

“Unfortunately, this was not possible. We must accept the decision by Frank Schaefer and now together we are committed for the remaining games to reach the top flight.”