BERLIN, April 19 (Xinhua) -- Cologne coach Frank Schaefer has decided to leave the club after the season, both sides stated on Tuesday.

His reason for the decision is based on personal matters. He hopes that the team can now fully concentrate on staying up at the German Bundesliga.

"Due to the development of the last matches, the discussions over my personnel contract situation have increased which had a disruptive effect on our common aim to stay up in first division. Therefore I have quickened my decision-making to clear up the situation," Schaefer said at the press conference.

Last October, Frank Schaefer was promoted from under-23 team Cologne coach to replace Bundesliga Cologne head coach Zvonimir Soldo.

The team sits on 12th position along 35 points and holds a six- point gap to relegation zone.