Borussia Dortmund take on 1. FC Cologne on Sunday (18:00 CEST) in their third of seven games to be played across a 22 day period. Both teams were in London during the week, and both put in a good performance for at least 45 minutes of their respective match. However, both teams also lost 1-3 there. BVB might be considered favourites given they are inured to "English weeks" (mid-week round of fixtures also played).

Peter Bosz must continue to forgo the services of at least seven players, though he doesn't want to speak of 'personnel concerns' prior to the home match against 1. FC Cologne. "We have a large squad with very good players. You must not worry about putting these good players into the team", suggested the manager, who made five changes prior to the match against Tottenham, two due to injury, the three others to more evenly distribute the workload: "The quality of our play didn't dip as a consequence." On the subject of rotation: "When we look at it as a positive thing, it will be a positive thing." Consequently, it is conceivable that Nuri Sahin or Christian Pulisic will be given a breather before a three game slog across six days away at HSV, against Gladbach, and Madrid. 

The defeat at Wembley stadium has been worked through. "It is true we conceded two goals in the first half where we did not defend well", according to Bosz: "There were challenges that we had to win." However, despite these two goals ("They are the most important thing in football, though"), Spurs had no further chances on goal during the first 45 minutes of the game – Borussia dominated.

And that's the way it should be on Sunday against Cologne, albeit with the required goals. "We must win our home games", said the manager despite his expectation of a strong showing from the opponent: "They have not started well", said Bosz of their three losses at the beginning of the season. "But when you see how they played yesterday against Arsenal, well, that wasn't bad, there's quality there! I hope it will take another week before they start showing that in the Bundesliga..."
Boris Rupert

BVB total!-Video: The complete press conference with Peter Bosz