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Augsburg (AP) - Friedhelm Funkel hurried to the airport as a happy coach with his exhausted Cologne winners when manager Stefan Reuter moved away from Heiko Herrlich in the empty Augsburg arena.

The 54-year-old refused to commit to the FCA coach after the 2: 3 (0: 3) in the relegation battle of the Bundesliga, which he had always supported.

The signs on Saturday night were pointing to separation at FC Augsburg - albeit not spontaneously.

"I really appreciate Heiko," said Reuter.

But the crazy and eye-opening football evening had to alert the FCA officials.

“We take the weekend to let it sink in and process it.

Then we think about what the right steps are for the last three games, "said Reuter with a pale face.

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After losing to a direct competitor, the FCA, which only scored one point in the last four games without a win, is in a relegation battle.

The lead on Cologne, who was revived by the 67-year-old Funkel, shrank to four points.

"It's unbelievable that some players haven't understood it yet," complained Herrlich in view of a first half for which he could not find an explanation.

Ondrej Duda (8th / 33rd minute) and Florian Kainz (23rd) were able to shoot out a 3-0 almost without resistance. The first 45 minutes were either «bottomless», «disastrous» or «unbelievable», as Herrlich said. "We leave the eggs in the locker room," rumbled goalkeeper Rafal Gikiewicz. The reaction with the goals of Robert Gumny (54th) and Ruben Vargas (62nd) did not whitewash the need for action.

Reuter spoke of "a terrifying first half that we will hopefully never have to see again."

He announced an internal analysis.

Stuttgart, Bremen and Bayern are the last three opponents.

"We urgently need points," said attacker André Hahn.

Herrlich didn't think about giving up.

He believes he can still reach the team.

"Yes, I have that feeling," he said.

With 33 points you still have everything in your own hands.

"We can keep the class - and we will do it," promised Herrlich.

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The sparkle brought from the coach's retirement has only 29 points with the Cologne team on the relegation place.

But the mood at FC is completely different after two wins in the English week.

“Cologne is alive,” said the 67-year-old Sparkle after the tremendous victory: “It is important that we get there.

That counts."

Faith is back among the players, especially because of the new boss.

"Sparkle has given us new motivation," said FC professional Marius Wolf.

© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210424-99-332202 / 2