Pre-Match Report
Sahin calls for courage in Barcelona game
"It is a special match for me to play against Barcelona in the Champions League as the coach of Borussia Dortmund," said Nuri Sahin prior to the meeting with the top Spanish club. "But every Champions League match is special. Being a coach at this level should never be regarded as normal." The BVB boss does not believe that there is a favourite: "We're capable of winning the match, but so are Barcelona. That's why the form on the day will play a big role."
After the personnel situation had improved somewhat recently, the BVB injury list has grown in length once again. In addition to Niklas Süle, who is sidelined for several months, Julian Brandt, Waldemar Anton and Filippo Mane will miss out too. "Jule has had a minor setback; in Waldi's case, it's going to be tight for the weekend too," announced Sahin. As for Maximilian Beier, who – like Süle – had to be substituted off in the match in Mönchengladbach, there is hope he could make an appearance on Wednesday and he is expected to be fit again for the Hoffenheim game on Sunday at the latest. Karim Adeyemi is in fitness training with the team, but he last played at the beginning of October. Sahin: "We have to weigh up whether it makes sense or not to throw him on straightaway after such a long time." On the other hand, the coach raised the prospect of Emre Can playing: "He's not at 100% due to his back problems, but he absolutely wanted to be involved in Gladbach. That also speaks volumes about his character."
A visit from the table neighbours
As a defender, Can will be one of the players to go up against Barcelona's attacking ranks. "A very good opponent with an extraordinary coach, who has managed in the shortest period of time to get across his idea to the team," said Sahin of his coaching colleague Hansi Flick. "They press very high, have clear procedures when pressing and counter pressing." As for his own team, Sahin said: "Nonetheless, we will be courageous. We will not change our philosophy. We want to play out from the back cleanly. If you only play long balls, the ball comes back more quickly than you can imagine."
Barcelona sit atop the Spanish league table with a two-point cushion over Real Madrid, but have played one game more than their rivals. Last weekend, the team were held to a 2-2 away draw by Real Betis in Seville. In the league phase of the UEFA Champions League, the Spaniards suffered their only defeat to date in Monaco in the opening round of matches (2-1) and have since recorded four victories on the bounce: 5-0 against Young Boys, 4-1 against Bayern, 5-2 in Belgrade and 3-0 versus Brest. With four wins and a defeat to their name too, BVB are level on points but behind Barcelona in fourth place. The top scorer in the league phase is Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski, who has netted seven goals in five matches. "He defines himself completely by winning, by scoring goals. He's lived for that for years and still plays at a top level," said Sahin of his former Dortmund team-mate, adding: "We were briefly in contact and I'm looking forward to seeing him again tomorrow."
The next home win the objective
With four wins in the Champions League, BVB have put themselves in a good position to achieve their next objective: direct qualification for the round of 16. The team must finish in the top eight to do that, with the teams between places nine and 24 set to contest a play-off round. "We want to be among the top eight. We're playing at home and want to win," said Sahin. "If we can do that tomorrow, we'll take a huge step."
Christina Reinke