Its form is impressive, but the future is still uncertain. In the long negotiations with Borussia Dortmund about an extension of the contract that expires in the summer, Marco Reus is currently advertising on his own behalf.
If the BVB captain, who has become a club legend in recent years, also proves in the round of 16 second leg of the Champions League on Tuesday (9 p.m. / Amazon Prime Video) at Chelsea that he is still a difference player, the chances of staying will increase at his home club. “It’s going to be a tough fight. It’s all open, but we’re in a very positive mood,” commented the veteran.
After the successful effort against RB Leipzig (2: 1), which brought the tenth win in the tenth competitive game of the year, Reus and his teammates traveled to London on Monday with a lot of momentum. The 1-0 win over Chelsea in the first leg three weeks ago also strengthens BVB’s belief in the first quarter-finals in the European premier class since the 2020/21 season. “On Tuesday I’m happy with a draw. We don’t always have to win,” joked Sebastian Kehl, referring to the impressive winning streak of the past few weeks. Like Reus, the sports director expects “a brutal game”: “Chelsea will try everything. We will have to suffer.”
600 million for transfers
Hans-Joachim Watzke sees it similarly: “No one should believe that tenth place in the Premier League reflects the sporting quality of Chelsea. The knot can burst at any time, they have spent more than 600 million on transfers in eight months,” said the BVB managing director the “Ruhr Nachrichten”.
Goals or assists from Reus could help, as against Hertha BSC (4-1), TSG 1899 Hoffenheim (1-0) and Leipzig, to overcome the hurdle at Stamford Bridge against the 2012 and 2021 Champions League winners . Reus is in good spirits despite the loss of first-leg goal scorer Karim Adeyemi, especially since the recently injured Donyell Malen and goalkeeper Gregor Kobel are on board. “We now understand how we all have to work together to play football successfully and deliver results. We have learned to accept the games even if they don’t go our way.”
Even in the first duel with FC Chelsea, which came to a tedious 1-0 win over relegation candidates Leeds United last weekend, the national player had to be content with a place on the BVB bench. The positive reaction of the noble reservist to this temporary elimination was well received by coach Edin Terzic. The 33-year-old took responsibility for the penalty against Leipzig and gave his team a 1-0 lead: “He led the way today in his performance and in the situation. That’s how we want our captain to be,” praised the footballer Teacher.
Decision by the end of April
According to Kehl, it should be decided by the end of April at the latest whether Reus will continue to storm for BVB after eleven years. The same applies to the 34-year-old vice-captain Mats Hummels, whose contract also expires in the summer. The performance data show that Reus is still a success factor. The team has scored more points and goals with him this season than without him.
Much will depend on whether both sides come closer on the salary issue. According to media reports, the club’s management is considering halving the previous salary of the injury-prone professional. “We are in talks. I have made my point of view clear several times,” said Reus about the status of the negotiations. When asked if he would like to continue wearing the black and yellow jersey, he promptly replied: “I’ve said that a few times before.”
