Slowly the mood at Borussia Dortmund tilts back into the positive – this trend is absolutely possible in the Champions League.
At Borussia Dortmund It’s not all rosy again, but it goes uphill. After the last two zero wins in the league, the European Cup places are at least again within reach. BVB wants to continue this positive trend in the Champions League – and dreams of other radiant nights.
But be careful: the upcoming opponent OSC Lille has it tough. Although the French is not a world fame, the team is not peppered with superstars and last weakened. But the round of 16 on Tuesday (9 p.m.) will certainly not be a walk for the Dortmund, as it were.
Kovac expects “a hard nut”
Despite the recent 1: 4 at Paris Saint-Germain, Lille should not be underestimated, BVB coach Niko Kovac said on Monday: “We have to prepare for a hard nut.” Especially since his own team is not yet “where we want to be”. Previously, sports boss Lars Ricken had already warned that it is now about “putting on the blinkers and having the tunnel view”.
BVB will primarily decide against the French fifth of the table whether it will continue. Surely there is a “huge opportunity” to move back into the team of the best eight, according to Ricken. Nevertheless, he also emphasized: “We take Lille extremely seriously.”
Trust in the players pay off
Finally, BVB convinced with stability that would have been unthinkable a few weeks ago. “The basic structure is getting a little better,” analyzed central defender Nico Schlotterbeck: “The coach has always given many players the same trust, that is paying off.”
And so outlines of a Niko-Kovac effect appear on the horizon. Defensively strengthened, aggressive and cold -caring in front of the gate in midfield – this is how the Croatian introduces BVB. It is a great help that Karim Adeyemis is increasing steeply. “The stadium will burn – and we will burn on the game,” announced the striker. The fact that the signal iduna park was not yet completely sold out on Monday afternoon should not detract from the mood.
Rerson back, chukwuemeka struck
Against Lille again, Julian Rerson is probably also there. The Norwegian right -back took part in the final training and is “ready for use”, according to Kovac. Winter access Carney Chukwuemeka, on the other hand. The midfielder has thigh problems after a collision in the Bundesliga game at FC St. Pauli. However, Kovac did not want to completely exclude an assignment on Monday. “We see how this develops overnight. We will only be able to decide that at very short notice,” said the BVB coach.
Dortmund against Lille – it is the duel between two roller coaster teams. Both are able to accomplish great, but both often break in for inexplicable reasons and disappoint all along the line. On Tuesday, one thing should therefore be the decisive factor: Who can better put their undisputed potential on the lawn.
Our sources:
- News agencies SID and dpa
- BVB press conference
- Public training of BVB in front of Lille
