Cologne sack Solbakken as Schaefer returns
Reuters - Thursday 12 April 2012, 17:42
Cologne fired Norwegian coach
Stale Solbakken on Thursday and put former boss Frank Schaefer
back in charge for the final four matches of the season in a bid
to stave off relegation from the Bundesliga.
"Staying up is our top priority," said board chairman Werner
Wolf in a statement. "All decisions have to be taken with this
in mind.
"Following our defeat against Mainz it is a regretful yet
necessary measure," he added referring to Cologne's 4-0
hammering on Tuesday.
Solbakken confirmed his sacking in a two-word text message
to the Norwegian radio station NRK which read, "Fired!!! Damn!".
Third from bottom Cologne have recorded one win in 10 games
and are in the relegation play-off spot, two points ahead of
second from bottom Hertha Berlin.
Solbakken's team possess the worst defensive record in the
Bundesliga, having conceded 63 goals in 30 matches this season.
Youth team coach Schaefer stepped down as first-team supremo
a year ago.