Florian Kainz knows:

Seventh relegation would have dire consequences for Cologne

Cologne captain Florian Kainz

(Bild: APA/dpa/Marius Becker)

1. FC Köln and captain Florian Kainz are threatened with complete collapse in the summer. Leverkusen, meanwhile, remain undefeated - they only managed a 1:1 draw in Dortmund very late on.

As captain, he had no choice. ÖFB international Florian Kainz faced the Cologne fans after the 2-0 defeat to Darmstadt, who had not won in their last 22 league games. And revealed what the supporters had to say: "That they're not happy, that we should give it our all and that they don't want to see us again!"

The Darmstadt game had been chosen as the final match; instead of fighting for survival, the team surrendered to fate, unsettled. "It's clear that the fans are angry and are venting their rage. We will fight as long as we can," said Kainz on the relegation battle. One that is well known - after all, Cologne are threatened with a seventh trip to the second division. Which would have dire consequences in view of the transfer ban: Due to a breach of FIFA regulations in the transfer of youth player Jaka Potocnik, FC are not allowed to make transfers until the winter. In the summer, Selke and Uth would not have a valid contract for the 2nd division in the event of relegation. A further four professionals, including Dejan Ljubicic, have exit clauses. Leverkusen's unbeaten streak continued in Dortmund. Stanisic equalized very late to make it 1:1.

Soon to be the "dinosaur of all classes"
Things look bleak for Hamburger SV. Of the 16 founding members of the Bundesliga, it was the only club to play in the top division for 55 years until 2018, earning the nickname "Bundesliga dinosaur". Now they could become a second division dinosaur: If leaders Kiel and St. Pauli are promoted, HSV would be the longest-serving of all current second division clubs ...