As Borussia Dortmund acquainted themselves early Monday evening with the Estádio José Alvalade, their venue for tomorrow, Lukasz Piszczek and Sokratis were also in its midst. A good 24 hours before the kick-off of the third group match of the UEFA Champions League against Sporting Lisbon, their chances of playing have “greatly risen” reported Thomas Tuchel.

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Wieder am Ball: Lukasz Piszczek

It was already the second meet-up of the day for the two experienced defenders; in the afternoon they were kicking the ball around “comfortably” which the Manager emphasised, and thus confidently indicated that “we have real hope that they will both be able to play tomorrow”. This means that BVB may not have to send the youngest team of all time into a Champions League game, but can instead rely more on the usual routine.

Talk of injuries is “not big in the team” assured Sebastian Rode and noted with subtle irony - “the massage benches are full but they are in Dortmund.” Thomas Tuchel had to ask these questions in the Press Conference. “We are very concerned over the situation and about the number of injuries that we have suffered in recent times,” explained the Manager. “There isn’t the one reason; every injury has its own story. We miss every individual player. At the same time, everyone that plays has our full backing and trust.”

After the very good start with the 6-0 in Warsaw and the 2-2 against Real Madrid, Tuchel’s decimated but still strong team want to “produce a top performance to give us the best possible starting point” tomorrow evening, said Tuchel. The coach is conscious of the fact that the two sides can be directly compared with each other, but not a topic for the team: "We know the importance of direct comparison. In the preparation for the game this plays however no role. That would only distract us.

Everyone is aware of how strong the opponent is. “They played a brilliant match in Madrid and had Real on the brink of defeat,” said Rode and knows: “it won’t be an easy match”. Tuchel went on: “Sporting is a very experienced, complete team. They are very robust in defence and in attack and therefore extremely dangerous.” One of the grateful recipients for balls into the box  – is ex-Wolfsburg player Bas Dost. “Everyone who knows the Bundesliga knows how effective Bas Dost is. He is an ice-cold finisher of crosses,” Rode said. “We have to stick tightly to him and stop him from getting onto the ball”. 

Boris Rupert

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