Germany coach Joachim Low has revealed his surprise at the fortunes of the three Bundesliga clubs competing in the Champions League this season.

Schalke 04, VfB Stuttgart and Werder Bremen have managed just seven points from 12 matches between them.

Low said after VfB Stuttgart were eliminated on Wednesday: "That's an extremely disappointing international performance."

Bremen and Schalke are also facing elimination before the knockout phase begin next spring.

Low said: "There's no way we can be happy about that. It is no help for players like Mario Gomez and Thomas Hitzlsperger or young talents like Serdar Tasci and Sami Khedira if they don't get international exposure."

The Bundesliga is sixth in UEFA's five-year ratings, behind Spain, England, Italy, France and Romania.

Former Germany captain Lothar Matthaeus echoed Low's sentiments, saying: "The results are alarming. You need heart, passion, engagement and an identification with your club in football. You don't see that at some of these clubs."

Eurosport