Schalke star Kevin Prince Boateng says his team slept for too long in the defeat to Stuttgart.

Chasing an automatic Champions league spot with rivals Dortmund,the Royal Blues desperately needed a win against the relegation threatened Swabians.

"Stuttgart exploited our errors ruthlessly. We were unlucky to concede the first goal. In the second half we took things up a notch but were completely asleep for the first fifteen minutes."

We’ve been playing well since the winter break. We’ll learn from this defeat and put it behind us as quickly as possible. Next week, we’ve got another opportunity to improve. We’re still in a strong position."

With three rounds remaining and a tough game agaisnt Monchengladbach on the horizon,Boateng better hope his team can concentrate better.