Tuchel feeling a "keen sense of anticipation for this match"

A win over the team in second would inject the Black and Yellows with "enormous self-confidence", disprove some doubts ("This situation is a test of our ability to remain calm") and may give everyone "a push ahead of this decisive phase of Cup, League and Champions League football," said Thomas Tuchel. BVB's run of just one win in their last five league games would then become a run of seven unbeaten matches in the Bundesliga or a run of just one defeat in their last 18 outings in all competitions, which would mean one thing: Borussia are unbeatable!

The clash between the promoted second-placed side (Tuchel: "They're doing very well and deserve to be where they are.") and last season's runners-up from Dortmund is hogging the sporting spotlight. The press room was packed with as many cameras as the one that preceded the Klassiker with Bayern when a candid and cheerful Thomas Tuchel fielded questions from reporters on Friday. The coach clearly loves big occasions: "We have done very, very well in these games," he said, in what is clearly a reference to Munich and Madrid.

The performances in Bremen (2-1) and Mainz (1-1) have now been discussed internally, with the central focus on one question: "Why did we let them back in, why didn't we extend our lead to 2-0 earlier?" There was also talk about Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang following the Gabon international's interview with a French radio station. Tuchel said: "Anyone who tries to look into the details and read between the lines" may come to the conclusion "that he's considering whether he will end his career here or look to move away." He continued: "What counts for me is how he performs here. He's ready to give everything. I've said it time and time again: we won't reach any of our objectives without Auba."

The forward has certainly been in fine goalscoring form in training, creating "a keen sense of anticipation for this match" in onlookers and his coach alike.
Boris Rupert