Germany striker Lukas Podolski is likely to be fined by Cologne over a critical interview.

General manager Claus Horstmann told the Cologne Express newspaper Podolski’s criticism of the club was “an affront,” adding that “the timing and content of this interview is for me very surprising.”

Podolski, who is currently injured, was critical of the club in an interview with Sunday’s Bild am Sonntag, saying it had repeatedly failed to live up to its promises or potential.

“There is a lack of continuity here,” he said.

“Regularly the coach, sport director and now also the presidium is changed. To put it clearly, nothing can come about in the long term.”

Podolski, who returned to Cologne from Bayern Munich in 2009, said he could see no progress, with the team continually in a relegation fight.

“I had hoped for something different because the conditions are there. The stadium and the fans are unique,” he said.

Podolski is thought to be considering a move amid delays to talks over an extension to his contract, which expires next year, and said he would be attracted by a move abroad.