From a statistical standpoint, there are few places better suited for Borussia Dortmund to start a winning run than Cologne. The last time BVB lost there was in 2003, and under Jürgen Klopp the Black and Yellows have yet to drop a point against the “Goats”.

Statistics, of course, don’t score goals, but the memory of past trips to Cologne might still help the team to return to their winning ways in the Bundesliga. Their last game there was a 6-1 win, the previous two matches had been last-minute, or better, last-gasp victories following topsy-turvy games.

Making the most of improved possibilities

 “We cannot act as if we have solved all the problems in the last two weeks we were not together,” said Jürgen Klopp, referring to his team’s four-game winless run in the Bundesliga. “Our situation is better than two weeks ago, now we have to make the most of the improved possibilities. But we only have one full training session - tomorrow’s - to work on team play.”

There are two aspects that should give Klopp (and all BVB fans) cause for optimism: in Marco Reus, Ilkay Gündogan and Henrikh Mkhitaryan three creative players are available for selection again, while the very crucial players Sebastian Kehl and Sven Bender have been able to use the international break to recover from knocks. The second, no less important, aspect is the physical fitness of the team. “We have taken a huge step forward in this regard,” said Klopp, adding: “Physical robustness helps to get better access to the hard drive.”

Changing implementation, not approach

After all, BVB’s trademark style of football depends on the fitness of the players. “We know our problems, but to remedy them is a different matter,” said Klopp, adding that they will “not change the approach but the implementation.”

BVB will look to reverse the trend in the Bundesliga against Cologne, “the most deserved promotion side in recent years with the potential for a successful Bundesliga season,” so Klopp about the Bundesliga new boys.  After losing their last three games, Cologne will look to get back on track as well. “On Saturday it will all be about who can best solve their problems, and not to make Cologne look poor in their own stadium,” said Klopp about Saturday’s goal. Summing it up in a nutshell, he said: “It’s all about getting a result there.”