Cologne coach Zvonimir Soldo has apologised to his club's fans for their 4-0 defeat to Hoffenheim on Saturday.

The result leaves Cologne on the brink of the bottom three and all Soldo could do was say sorry.

"I have got to apologise to our fans for this desolate performance," he said.

"The game showed that we are not solid yet. We need to find more stability.

"I am disappointed. I am the coach and I am responsible."

The performances of Slovenian duo Milivoje Novakovic and Miso Brecko left a lot to be desired, and it seemed as though they let actions speak louder than words after having their requests to celebrate their nation's World Cup qualification turned down.

Both had asked to return to Cologne on Friday after a win over Russia booked their place in South Africa next season.

However, Cologne turned down their request and demanded they return on Thursday evening.

But neither came even close to playing at their full potential in what can only be regarded as a protest against their employers for denying them the chance to celebrate their midweek success with their compatriots.

Brecko was replaced after just 29 minutes while Novakovic did not appear for the second half.

Cologne face fellow strugglers Bochum next Friday night with the whistles from 45,000 disgruntled spectators still ringing in their ears.