Klopp: "Small things will decide the game"
Jürgen Klopp was relaxed at the press conference. Only one question, referring back more than 150 years, threw him off balance for a moment. But in the here and now, the Dortmund coach is prepared for everything. "At this level, I don´t think it´s possible to surprise anyone anymore," said Klopp ahead of Borussia Dortmund´s 196th European game. On Wednesday (KO: 2045 CET), BVB take on Premier League leaders Arsenal FC.
"This game will be decided by small things," said Jürgen Klopp on the meeting of two sides that both have enjoyed a great start to the season. The BVB coach made clear that neither the fact that Borussia Dortmund won the first game 2-1, nor that they have won their last seven home games in the Champions League and have yet to lose at home against English opposition will have much meaning once the game kicks off.
But he is banking on home advantage to give his side the edge over a strong away side, saying, "We believe it´s an advantage to play at home. If Arsenal play better in our stadium than in the first game, it will likely be because we let them do so."
Marco Reus is also expecting "a tight and tense game in which we need to show the necessary attitude and the will to score. And we know that small mistakes are punished."
And that´s why the team meeting on Tuesday night was all about the "small moments" from the first game. "We had a lot of good moments there, but also some less good ones," said Klopp, mentioning Cazorla´s strike against the bar as an example. "We allowed him a free shot on goal." This must not happen again on Wednesday, and it probably will not happen again as the BVB coach promised, "We will be fully prepared!"
There will be a change in defence for BVB as Neven Subotic replaces the injured Mats Hummels. Arsenal are also expected to make at least one forced change after left back Kieran Gibbs suffered a hip injury in the 2-0 win over FC Liverpool on Saturday, with Wilshere, Flamini and Walcott also rated very doubtful.