Hofmann and Holtmann react to Bochum battering: "Unworthy of the Bundesliga." | OneFootball

The scoreboard at full-time at Deutsche Bank Park on Saturday afternoon. VfL striker Philipp Hofmann - while making clear that he didn't want to single anyone out for poor play - suggested that those players not pulling their weight should “go home”.

Results in the latest set of Bundesliga 15:30 kickoffs constituted a triple whammy for beleaguered VfL Bochum. The league's last-placed side not only had to come to grips with their own humiliation, but also deal with the fact that relegation rivals Holstein Kiel and FC St. Pauli both secured three points in their own respective matches.

VfL goal-scorer Philipp Hofmann and Bochum substitute Gerrit Holtmann both stood sullen in front of the Sky microphones after the 2-7 defeat to Frankfurt. Hofmann understandably began his interview by noting that he had "no explanation" for the shellacking. The 31-year-old then proceeded to ramble on a bit in search of something to say.

"That was unacceptable," Hofmann told his interviewer, "Bad play has gotten into our heads. A performance like that isn't worthy of the Bundesliga. It's hard at the moment."

Both Hofmann and Holtmann couldn't hope to emulate some of the optimism they and others conjured up after a loss just twelve days ago. The double sacking of trainer Peter Zeidler and sporting director Marc Lettau appears to have only exacerbated the team's free fall. Hofmann almost seemed resigned. Holtmann spoke on an exchange with the fans.

“We can't keep putting in performances like that, it's terrible,” Hofmann said, "Everyone has to question themselves. Those who don't pull their weight should go home."

"I know it's hard to stay positive," Holtmann said, "I tried to explain that we can only do this together. I think Bochum has incredible fans who don't deserve this. We also shouldn't always get booed."