“We have to stop Arsenal's attacking players getting into the game”

“I've never played for a draw in all my time with Borussia Dortmund. How are you supposed to do that?” asked Sebastian Kehl shortly before their plane was due to take off from Dortmund to London Luton Airport. Against Arsenal BVB will be playing for all three points, same as always. “We want to win our group and have no intention of throwing anything,” said Oliver Kirch, who returns to the squad for the first time in over three months following a thigh injury.

Borussia have to be careful against the team currently lying eighth in the English Premier League table, especially their attack, including Alexis Sanchez, who's already scored 11 goals in competitive matches, Danny Welbeck, Olivier Giroud and also Lukas Podolski. Kehl: “We have to guard against getting hit on the counter-attack and not allow Arsenal's attacking players to get into the game.”

“We've addressed the key issues“

The former captain was nevertheless confident that BVB would show their true colours in London and put on a strong performance. After the 2-2 draw against Paderborn in the Bundesliga, the team addressed the key issues, “so we have the chance to get at least a point.”

However, before their flight to the UK the Champions League match wasn't the only topic of conversation. There was also the criticism by Hans-Joachim Watzke at the club's annual general meeting. The BVB chairman warned the team not to save their best performances for the Champions League and the big Bundesliga matches, but to realise their potential on a more consistent basis.

“Herr Watzke raised some important points,” said Oliver Kirch. “His criticisms are justified right now,” Sebastian Kehl agreed. “We were all incredibly disappointed with the draw at Paderborn. It was completely unnecessary. Borussia Dortmund's sporting situation doesn't look particularly rosy at the present time. To a large extent the team is responsible for that. We'll try to do better in London.”

Kirch: “It's time to give something back”

Another reason BVB's players want to do a better job is due to the phenomenal support of their fans. The applause lasted two minutes 43 seconds at the general meeting on Sunday. Kehl: “I didn't expect such a round of applause. To some extent it's a little bizarre, since on a sporting level we're really going through a rough patch. But it shows how strong this club really is.”

Oliver Kirch added: “This support is a motivation but also a responsibility. People are expecting something. We still have the fans on our side but that can't go on forever. It's time to give something back.”