Cologne have sacked team manager Michael Meier after a bad run has seen them drop to the relegation play-off spot, two points ahead of bottom-placed Borussia Moenchengladbach.
A statement announcing the board’s decision said on Monday: “Michael Meier is put on leave. A contract dissolution is sought in the short term.”
Meier, who took over in 2005, is the second victim of Cologne’s disappointing season after they coach Zvonimir Soldo left in October, to be replaced by Frank Schaefer.
Cologne, who have won two of their five games under Schaefer, are in 16th place on 12 points after 14 games. They were held 1-1 at home to Wolfsburg on Sunday.