Markus Gisdol and Cologne have parted ways following the Billy Goats' 3-2 loss to Mainz on Matchday 28.

Former Hoffenheim and Schalke coach Gisdol was appointed as Achim Beierlorzer's successor in November 2019 and led Cologne to Bundesliga survival in his first season, the team finishing in 14th, six points clear of the automatic relegation places.

"We absolutely wanted to win the game against Mainz," said Cologne managing director Horst Heldt. "Even though the performance was good, we came away with no points. It was a bitter defeat. Until the end of the season, we now have six games in which we absolutely want to achieve our goal of staying up."

Results have been less kind in 2020/21, though, with the Wolfsburg reverse meaning Cologne have dropped 16 of a possible 18 points since beating Borussia Mönchengladbach 2-1 in the Rheinderby at the start of February.

"The team, my coaching staff and myself have given everything until the end in order to perform well and achieve good results," Gisdol said in a statement on the club's website. "That has not happened since the Derby. I say that in that way, as we have not managed to reward ourselves despite good phases in the games. The team have always given everything through the tough conditions that have been with us since the start of the season. I wish my boys all the best for the end of the season and cross my fingers that FC stay in the Bundesliga."

Currently in occupation of the relegation-promotion play-off place, Cologne face a tricky run-in, with Bayer Leverkusen then RB Leipzig following their clash with fellow Karneval team Mainz on Matchday 28.

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