Mood killer instead of encouragement: After the lesson in the league summit against Bayern, there is fear of another serious setback in Dortmund. BVB only has three days to get rid of the frustration over the 4-0 defeat and get ready for the Champions League duel with Newcastle United.
There was already a clear discussion on Sunday, it should help get back on track. “We were very honest with each other and then put a check on it. We want to do better as quickly as possible. We know it’s in us,” said coach Edin Terzic.
Despite the recent and severe media criticism of the team, Sebastian Kehl also pointed to a stable foundation. “Not everything is in ruins for us now,” commented the BVB sports director on the tricky starting position before the decisive group game on Tuesday (6.45 p.m./Prime Video). In an effort to get the team back on its feet after the shockingly weak performance against Munich, the former professional and long-time team captain recalled the upward trend before: “We were unbeaten in 17 league games, had a good run and were able to win in Newcastle. I won’t let that ruin me talk.”
BVB wants to react
However, there is no real confidence ahead of the difficult task against the up-and-coming sixth-place team in the Premier League in Dortmund. The relapse into times we thought had been overcome continues to have an impact. That is why Terzic is primarily required as a psychologist.
Similar to the coach, midfielder Salih Özcan is also in good spirits that Borussia will show a positive reaction after the discussion: “Everyone has grown up a lot since last season to deal with such things. We have the chance to show that against Newcastle. I am convinced that we will perform better.”
A reference to the first leg two weeks ago in the north of England could help you regain faith in your own strength. Thanks to a mature performance and Felix Nmecha’s goal to make it 1-0, the starting position improved significantly. “We showed that we can compete at this level with top performances,” said Terzic.
Group victory still possible
With another win, BVB would move past Newcastle, who are currently tied for second in the table (4 points each). If bottom club AC Milan (2) provides support in the home game against Paris Saint-Germain (6), it would even be possible to climb to first place in the supposedly toughest Group F. Defender Nico Schlotterbeck is hoping for a big step towards the round of 16 – and ignores the Bayern game: “If we play a good game, hopefully we won’t have to worry until the last matchday.”
However, BVB will probably have to do without Emre Can again. The injured knee continues to cause problems for the national player and BVB captain and apparently does not allow him to play. “He hasn’t trained since the first leg in Newcastle. But we’re looking from day to day and haven’t given up hope yet,” said Terzic. On the other hand, the recently injured full-back Ramy Bensebaini could be in the starting line-up.
Unlike BVB, Newcastle gained self-confidence with a 1-0 win over previously unbeaten top team Arsenal FC last weekend. However, growing personnel concerns are reducing confidence. Defender Sven Botman as well as attackers Harvey Barnes and former Dortmund player Alexander Isak will probably be missing. In addition, Sandro Tonali, who was banned for illegal betting, is not part of the squad.
The expected lineups:
Borussia Dortmund – Newcastle United
Borussia Dortmund: Kobel – Süle, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Ryerson – Nmecha, Özcan – Malen, Reus, Brandt – Füllkrug
Newcastle United: Pope – Livramento, Lascelles, Schär, Trippier – Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton – Almiron, Wilson, Gordon
Referee: Hernandez (Spain)
