A home victory over 1. FSV Mainz 05 on Saturday (15:30 CET) would mean that Borussia Dortmund's participation in next season's UEFA Champions League would be mathematically certain and their final-day fixture with Hoffenheim would no longer be a must-win game. Peter Stöger is hoping to be able to celebrate reaching that objective with the fans – and to hand Roman Weidenfeller a final home appearance.

"Following a turbulent season", Stöger said he would like to "achieve this major objective at home and together with the fans", adding: "That would be a nice story. That's what we're aiming for. But we know this is a task that looks much easier on paper than it will be in reality. We have a big opportunity; we're going to give it everything."

The Austrian is expecting a "competitive match" and expressed his "great respect for the Mainz team. They'll give it all they've got. They need to take something from the game so that they can preserve their place in the division. One can assume we have a lot of work coming our way."

Stöger's praise for Weigl

Amid all the public praise for the midfield pairing of Götze/Reus (Stöger: "They're a good fit together. It's looking good. They have an understanding."), the coach does not want Julian Weigl's role to slip under the radar. "One forgets what an important job he does. He takes the pressure off the others: he now plays in the central position just as I envisage the role. Julian stabilises the whole team."

Cameo appearance for Weidenfeller?

Whether Roman Weidenfeller makes his 453rd and final professional appearance for Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park on Saturday will depend on the scoreline in the match, but Stöger has discussed the situation with both goalkeepers. "He has earned the right, and if there's an opportunity then we'll take it," he explained.
Boris Rupert