Cologne have sacked manager Stale Solbakken after just under a year in charge of the Bundesliga strugglers.
The club, who currently sit 16th in the table, have re-appointed former coach Frank Schaefer to guide the team through its last four games of the season.
"Cologne's league survival is our highest priority in the final stage of the season. We have to make all decisions based on this goal without any ifs or buts," said board of directors chairman Werner Wolf.
Solbakken was angered when he revealed the news to Norwegian television station TV2.
"Yes, it's over. I've been sacked, but I can't say anything more than that," he said. "I can't say anything other than that I've been sacked and I'm furious."
Schaefer previously resigned in April 2011 before his reinstatement.
