Borussia Dortmund’s head coach Niko Kovac has acknowledged that his team still has “a long way to go” despite their recent positive performances, as they gear up for a home Champions League match against Lille on Tuesday.
The previous season’s Champions League finalists currently sit in 10th position in the Bundesliga, posing a risk of not qualifying for European competitions next season.
Kovac, who was appointed following Nuri Sahin’s dismissal in January, has helped stabilise the squad.
Dortmund recorded their second consecutive league win for the first time this season by overcoming St. Pauli at the weekend, marking only their second away victory in the Bundesliga this campaign.
The former coach of Bayern Munich, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Monaco emphasised that Dortmund is beginning to find their footing.
“We are already becoming more consistent; we diligently focus on that every day, whether it’s on the training ground or in meetings,” he stated to the media on Monday before the first leg of the last 16.
“It’s a positive development, but there’s certainly still room for growth.
“We are not quite where we aspire to be. That said, I appreciate the commitment the players are showing.”
Dortmund boasts only one defeat in their last 16 matches played at the Westfalenstadion.
“Our stadium is like a formidable fortress. It’s challenging to compete here—very tricky and tough,” Kovac remarked.
“I trust we can harness the atmosphere to leave a mark on Lille.”
Lille has claimed the Ligue 1 title twice over the last 14 years but has yet to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
They were the sole French team to finish in the top eight during the new Champions League league phase, yet enter Tuesday’s fixture following a heavy 4-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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