“I take that seriously, of course”: Fans furious! Is the next managerial sacking looming in the Bundesliga?

1. FC Cologne are still searching for form. Coach Rene Wagner’s position has been under threat for some time. Now sporting director Thomas Kessler has made people sit up and take notice.

Effzeh fans vented their frustration after a frighteningly poor display in the 0-0 draw against Schalke 04. Chants of "Wagner out" echoed around the stadium.

Just a few days after denying there was unrest around the club, Kessler struck a different tone. "Of course I take it seriously, there's no question about that. Emotions are running very high," he told the Kölner Express. The 40-year-old said he saw Wagner's team as "on the right track overall, but we lacked creativity in the final third and, ultimately, the ability to pose a goal threat or take our chances. That's why we're disappointed."

Wagner's position has been under threat for some time. Even before the derby win against Gladbach a few weeks ago, there had been speculation that the Billy Goats would sack him if they lost. That derby victory remains their only win in their past six league matches. Next weekend's meeting with Union Berlin, who are next to them in the table, could be another decisive match for the 53-year-old.

1. FC Köln beset by major injury concerns

Cologne also have major injury concerns in attack. They are without two strikers, Thijs Dallinga (26/torn cruciate ligament) and Ragnar Ache (28/torn muscle fibre), for the short and long term respectively.

"I'm also giving it thought and taking it into my daily work," Kessler said, adding: "Ultimately, it's about the work we do and getting wins. That's the currency that matters most to people."

Before their Bundesliga match against Union, Cologne also face the Iron Ones in the DFB Cup on Tuesday.