First Leipzig, then Hertha: Tuchel looks to take one step at a time

He went on to explain why this task is proving more challenging for his team at the moment than it is for the men from Leipzig, who are currently riding on a wave of success and have already surpassed their goals for the season. In the situation Leipzig are in, it is relatively easy just to focus on the next match, he said, implying that the Saxony-based side have hardly any pressure and can play with complete freedom each time they take to the field. Borussia Dortmund, by contrast, are currently being placed under considerable pressure – particularly by the media. With that in mind, it's all the more remarkable that BVB performed so well in Saturday evening's 'top match', emerging deserved winners and making a real statement.

Tuchel explained this as follows: "At this moment in time, when we find ourselves failing to meet our own expectations as well as those coming from outside, it is much, more more difficult to focus and to simply tell ourselves: This isn't helping. We need to stay true to ourselves, we need to appreciate the small successes and remain persistent." Here he is clearly referring to the aforementioned policy of taking one step at a time, which every competitive sportsman and woman – whether a football team or a tennis player – must abide by if they are to be successful. Never think beyond the next game, analyse what happened but move on quickly to ensure you are fully focused on the next opponent.

"Everything is under control at BVB"

The Black and Yellows are certainly managing that very well at the moment. Thomas Tuchel's charges are now unbeaten in their last seven matches and, while four of those games have "only" ended in draws, there still hasn't been a single defeat. The only thing missing from the performances has been consistency. But what went wrong in the second half in Mainz last week was most definitely rectified against Leipzig this time out. "We knew we would require a top performance in all areas. Defensively, offensively, but emotionally as well. We managed that. We were very well-structured and allowed them few opportunities to switch the play, and only two shots in total. That's extraordinary," declared Thomas Tuchel, whose side kept their first clean sheet since the 1-0 victory over FC Bayern on 19 November. Such performances on the big occasions have played a pivotal role in containing the unease that has resurfaced all too often this season. "Seven points from three matches is absolutely fantastic. That's how we need to play, that's how we have to play," Thomas Tuchel urged.

Speaking in the ZDF sport studio late on Saturday evening, shot-stopper Roman Bürki was also puzzled by the discussions going on in the media. "I don't know where this unease is coming from. The team feels good, the support from the fans is fantastic. From our side there's nothing wrong. Everything is under control at BVB." The team have been keeping calm and have earned their just reward: moving up to third, which would be enough to secure direct qualification for the UEFA Champions League, until Frankfurt play late on Sunday afternoon at least.

"Winning can give you a lot of energy"

"A victory like this is the perfect moment to draw a line under all of this and to restore a feeling of calm," said a hopeful Thomas Tuchel, who – in line with his policy of taking one step at a time – was already looking ahead to the next match. "Against Leipzig we showed a good combination of bite and quality. I really liked that. That's exactly how we want to play and what we need to reproduce when we play in the DFB Cup on Wednesday evening."

Hertha BSC – who, much like Leipzig, have been one of the surprise packages this season –will be the opponents at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK. The Bundesliga meeting with the capital club back in mid-October ended in a 1-1 draw. Erik Durm, who missed that match through injury, said what every BVB wanted to hear in the aftermath of the Leipzig victory. "Winning can give you a lot of energy. After that stupid draw in Mainz, a tactically strong display like this really takes us forward and gives us a boost," the World Cup winner said. The Leipzig win will serve as a reference point for the clash with Hertha. Or, as Thomas Tuchel puts it: "Take each game as it comes. Always have the next small objective in mind."

Dennis-Julian Gottschlich