Tuesday night's 4-0 thumping at Mainz was the final straw for the 44-year-old Solbakken after leaving the club on the back of just one league win in 10 games, a point from safety.

And with a tricky run-in that ends with the visit of Bayern Munich it was decided by the club's hierarchy that after 17 defeats and 63 goals conceded, a change of manager was needed.

"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.

"After the game against Mainz the layoff of Stale Solbakken is a regrettable but unavoidable step at this time."

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Schaefer, 48, coached Cologne for 22 games, leaving after a 4-1 defeat at Wolfsburg, but board chairman Claus Horstmann is delighted to see him back at the Rhein Energie Stadion.

"Schaefer already showed last season that he can motivate the team to top performances. He knows the players and can start tomorrow (Friday)," Horstmann said.

"He also has a lot of favour with the fans, on whose support our team relies in this difficult situation."

The decision to remove Solbakken has, however, infuriated the Norwegian boss who told Norwegian station TV2: "Yes, it's over. I've been sacked, but I can't say anything more than that.

"I can't say anything other than that I've been sacked and I'm furious."

Schaefer will take charge ahead of what has become a crucial derby at Champions League-chasing Borussia Monchengladbach on Sunday.