Fans inside the Mercedes-Benz Arena jeered Stuttgart off the field following the result which meant they dropped to 14th in the Bundesliga, just days after a disappointing 1-1 draw against Rangers in the Champions League.

Babbel admitted he and his side had hit rock bottom with yesterday's setback.

"We don't seem prepared to go that last inch," he said. "For me as a coach, this is my toughest situation so far."

The former Liverpool and Bayern Munich defender's coaching career is only 10 months old, but this is certainly the lowest ebb and he believes major changes are now required.

"We have got to just take a step back from our aims and get back to the basics," he said.

"We need to return to our values, which we are missing at the moment."

For opponents Cologne, a first win of the season was particularly special for their coach Zvonimir Soldo, who celebrated the first victory of his coaching career against the last club of his playing days.

"I always really like to come here because this is my second home, but this was a special situation and I am even happier that we have finally been able to celebrate our first success," he said.