Hamburg coach Bruno Labbadia blamed his side's punishing schedule for their current dismal winless run in the Bundesliga.

The northern Germany side were held to a 0-0 draw by Hoffenheim but Labbadia claims his side could not have done any better after playing two games a week for almost two months - including during the international break, when many of his players were in action.

Domestic and Europa League commitments have clearly taken their toll, and Labbadia believes that showed in the Hoffenheim stalemate.

"In the end, we were certainly lacking energy," Labbadia said.

"We have had to replace a lot of potential and were tired after the game against Rapid Vienna [in the Europa League in midweek].

"We hardly have any alternatives and the team is doing all it can.

"Now we have a complete week again to prepare ourselves for the coming game and then a final burst to end the year."

Hamburg have dropped from the top of the table to fourth over the last two months, but remain just six points adrift of league leaders Bayer Leverkusen.