The future of Lukas Podolski is continuing to dominate the headlines in Cologne, making it difficult for them to concentrate on the task in hand, which is facing Freiburg on Saturday.
The Germany international still has 18 months left to run on his contract but reports says he will be sold next summer, if not during the January transfer window.
Podolski has admitted received offers from other clubs but says he first wants to hear what Cologne can offer him.
The forward is due to discuss the issue with his club during the winter break but until then, Cologne's director of sport Volker Finke would like the issue to fall into the background.
"Every day, there are more rumours spread by the media," he said on his club's website.
"Our position is well known and nothing has changed.
"We want to keep Podolski at Cologne, of course, and we will hold discussions with him this winter.
"We would like to ask the fans, the media and the public to understand that we cannot comment on the new speculation and give status updates on this issue every single day."
With 11 goals and five assists, Podolski has had a hand in over three quarters of Cologne's goals this season and his importance to the club cannot be understated.
"Podolski is an extraordinary player with extraordinary capabilities," said Freiburg coach Marcus Sorg, whose task it is to prepare his side to stop the in-form forward.
"This means the opposition side has got to focus on keeping him out of the game."
Freiburg's own hot property Papiss Demba Cisse, who has scored almost half of his side's goals, should lead their attack.
