COLOGNE, Germany (AP) — Cologne has fired Lukas Kwasniok as head coach following a seven-game winless streak that leaves the team teetering just outside the Bundesliga relegation zone.
The club announced Sunday that Saturday's 3-3 draw with Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Rhine derby was the final straw. Assistant coach Frank Kaspari was also released.
Wagner Takes Over as Interim Coach
Former assistant René Wagner will take over for the remaining seven games of the season.
"We simply haven't picked up enough points – that's the reality. Against this background, after intensive analysis, we decided to release Lukas," managing director Thomas Kessler said.
"I will do everything in my power to ensure we remain in the Bundesliga," Wagner said.
Season Details
Kwasniok joined Cologne from Paderborn last summer with a contract through 2028. The team has earned 26 points from 27 Bundesliga matches, sitting two points above St. Pauli in the relegation playoff place.
Cologne was knocked out of the German Cup by Bayern Munich during Kwasniok's tenure.