Skipper Hummels blasts 'pathetic' Borussia Dortmund

Mats Hummels launched a remarkable attack on his own team after branding Borussia Dortmund's form so far this season as "pathetic".

The 26-year-old centre-back, who captains the Bundesliga side, sees his team second-bottom in Germany's top flight at the midway point of the season, reports independent.co.uk.

Dortmund lost to SV Werder Bremen, who had been bottom before the victory Sunday to leave them with just 15 points from 17 matches as they head into the six-week winter break.

"We've managed pretty well at home in recent weeks, but not at all away. It's pretty astonishing that we are so pathetic," he said Sunday night.

Hummels, a key member of the Germany's 2014 World Cup-winning team, remains Manchester United's top January target with speculation mounting in recent weeks. Some reports suggest United could pay him more than 40 million pounds.

The Dortmund captain has previously stated he is happy to stay at the club but his latest outburst will raise concerns that he is attempting to force an exit from the club.