Fabian Ernst apologised to the fans after Werder Bremen's European exit.
Werder Bremen midfielder Fabian Ernst felt that his team's 10-2 aggregate UEFA Champions League defeat against Lyon had harmed the reputation of the Bundesliga.The German international also apologised to Bremen's fans for the woeful performance.
"We have to apologise to all fans and spectators," admitted Ernst.
"We have disgraced ourselves and our performance was not worthy of the Bundesliga champions."
Bremen captain Frank Baumann was bemused, blaming a lack of resolve for the capitulation.
"The early goals broke our spirit, but instead of limiting the damage, we collapsed completely," acknowledged Baumann.
"There is no explanation, we can't allow ourselves to get slaughtered in that way."
Klaus Allofs, Bremen's sporting director, believes the club must respond to their European exit with a renewed effort in the Bundesliga.
"We knew that it would be tough, but it turned into a very disappointing evening for us," said Allofs.
"We were able to compete at the group stage, but not in the knock-out round.
"We have to finish third in the Bundesliga in order to get a new chance to prove ourselves in this kind of competition."
