Schwäbe and Uth struggle to find words after Köln's relegation

FC Köln were officially relegated from the Bundesliga on Saturday, finishing in 17th place after a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Heidenheim on the final day of the season.

Goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe was at a loss for words after the club's fate was sealed, particularly lamenting the first 45 minutes in which Köln fell behind 3-0.

"It is difficult to find the right words. We wanted to achieve something all week and we committed ourselves to it again this morning," Schwäbe told German television after the match.

"The fact that we played the first half the way we did ... I don't want to be offensive, but that was nothing. It felt like we lost every fifty-fifty battle. We just completely ruined it for ourselves, especially in the first half. No matter what we did, we didn't get into our game at all.

"Of course Heidenheim did well, but it was clear that we weren't going to come here and that they were going to roll out the red carpet for us to stay in the league. It was clear and it was just not enough."

Striker Mark Uth, whose contract extension was announced prior to the match, had similar sentiments.

"We're very disappointed, there's silence in the dressing room. I don't really know what to say either," said the 32-year-old.

"The first half was … well, I don't know, I don't have the words. It's hard to comprehend.

“At the end of the day, we're here now and we deserve to be relegated, that's the way it is, unfortunately.”