Borussia Dortmund are under pressure, having drawn all three of their matches since the Bundesliga restart. They are aiming to end that winless run by claiming all three points in Köln, where Peter Stöger faces an emotional reunion with the club where he enjoyed so much success.

"It's not just an ordinary game," said Peter Stöger. "I was in Köln too long for that, I feel too comfortable in Köln." But ultimately it's all about the three points, and the BVB boss is in no doubt that the Black & Yellows need to bring them home on Friday night. "I am only focused on how we will approach this game and how we can get a victory in Köln," reiterated Stöger, adding: "I want to win the match! At this stage, it is hugely important for us to get all three points. It would give us a bit of breathing space following the turbulent weeks we have had."

"Five games unbeaten – that's slipping under the radar a bit"

Borussia Dortmund go into Matchday 21 in sixth and could climb up to second, if only for a night, with a victory on Friday. "For me and my players it's nothing new to deal with this burden of needing to win games on a weekly basis," said Stöger of the current situation. He knows that "a fourth match without a victory is not going to calm things down". Nonetheless, he added: "We're not that far off our objectives. We have gone five games unbeaten. That's slipping under the radar a bit."

"Create more chances"

The coaching staff, which Alexander Bade has just joined, is working calmly and carefully to lift the cloud of uncertainty and help get the players into dangerous areas more often. That starts with the build-up play. The Austrian wants his team to "go forward with more purpose" and "make fewer passes down the flanks, increase the speed in their play, create more goalscoring chances and, ideally, convert them. It all sounds easy – but it's much more difficult to put into practice."

Batshuayi a candidate for the starting XI

Among the contenders for a starting berth is new signing Michy Batshuayi. Stöger said: "I believe we've signed a dangerous player who wants to get minutes on the pitch and wants to use his time with us to get into the national team." And most importantly: "He's raring to go. It will be down to us how quickly we introduce him to the team."

Stöger hinted that Batshuayi could even feature in Köln. "It's easier for a centre-forward than it is for another position such as a defender. Scoring goals is the most difficult job. Those who can score goals can do it at any club."

Why Akanji must remain patient

The situation looks a little different for new defender Manuel Akanji, who was part of the matchday squads for the clashes with Hertha and Freiburg but is yet to make his debut. Stöger has spoken about it with the Swiss player. "He's not a player for the bench." But the central defensive partnership has performed "relatively well" recently, "so it's difficult for me to take someone out. It's a luxury problem. At present, I can't say what will happen tomorrow."

Marcel Schmelzer is "not in contention for this week," said Stöger: "The others are doing better and better. We're taking it day by day."
Boris Rupert