Rudi Voller blasts Bayer Leverkusen's stupidity after Cup defeat

The Bundesliga side twice let the lead slip away on Tuesday night as they were held to a 2-2 draw after extra time, before losing 4-3 on penalties.

That came despite the 79th-minute dismissal of Sportfreunde's Tim Wendel and former Germany striker Voller did not mince his words after the match.

"We cannot be beaten in stupidity," he said before labelling the defeat: "As stupid as it gets."

The shock exit comes in addition to a league campaign which has brought four defeats in the first eight games to leave the club 11th in the Bundesliga standings. They have drawn their opening three games in Champions League Group E.

Schmidt was forced to follow Tuesday night's embarrassment from the team bus as he began a two-match touchline ban.

But Voller said: "He stayed on the bus, this was the best decision. Otherwise he would be very much in focus.

"We continue to believe in the coach. In the other two competitions we can still make up for something. It is not all about the coach."