"Heap of shit": Kaiserslautern seeks answers - FC Kaiserslautern's promotion dreams crumble after humiliating 4-0 loss
FC Kaiserslautern suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to Darmstadt 98, effectively ending their promotion hopes this season. The loss extends a poor run of form, with the team now winless away since October 2025.
Manager Torsten Lieberknecht criticised his players for a lack of effort, while club officials expressed shock at the performance.
The match against Darmstadt 98 marked another setback for FCK, who now sit seven points behind second place in the 2. Bundesliga. Their struggles have worsened since Lieberknecht's return in January 2025, following his stint at SV Darmstadt 98, where he achieved promotion in 2023 but faced relegation last season.
The team's recent 1-3 loss to SV Elversberg added to the frustration. Goalkeeper Julian Krahl called the performance 'utterly shameless' and a 'complete mess'. Managing director Thomas Hengen echoed the disappointment, describing the display as unacceptable.
Despite the setback, FCK has a quick chance to respond. They face SpVgg Greuther Fürth next Saturday, needing a win to avoid slipping further from the promotion race. Currently, they also sit eight points clear of the relegation playoff spot, easing some pressure but leaving little room for more mistakes.
Sporting director Marcel Klos shut down questions about Lieberknecht's future. He insisted the team must take responsibility for their results rather than blame the coaching staff.
The defeat leaves FC Kaiserslautern with slim promotion hopes and mounting criticism. Their next match against Greuther Fürth will test whether they can turn around their form. For now, the club remains focused on avoiding further decline in the table.
