Borussia Dortmund is in desperate need of securing three points in their upcoming Bundesliga clash against struggling Union Berlin at home this Saturday. This match is crucial not only for closing the gap on the leading teams but also for restoring team morale, as emphasised by coach Niko Kovac (53) on Friday.
The club, who are set to take on Lille in the Champions League Round of 16, has experienced a tough patch under Kovac since his appointment in late January, suffering defeats in both his domestic league matches.
Last season’s Champions League finalists currently find themselves in 11th position in the Bundesliga, trailing fourth-placed Leipzig by eight points. They are at risk of missing out on qualification for next season’s elite European competition, which only allows the top four teams.
“We’re not overly far off,” Kovac stated at a press conference. “We must claim victory in tomorrow’s game because those three points are vital—not just for climbing the table, but also for boosting our confidence and proving to ourselves that we can win again.”
The coach believes there has been noticeable progress during training sessions and team discussions, and he remains optimistic that results will follow.
Although Dortmund successfully advanced to the Champions League knockout stage with a 3-0 aggregate victory over Sporting, their domestic form has been concerning, with only one win in the last seven encounters.
“We anticipate a very aggressive match from Union,” Kovac remarked. “Playing at home means we need to demonstrate our intent to win.”
“We aim to be victorious,” he reiterated. “Winning is our objective; that’s why we’re here. We’re aware of the circumstances, and while it’s challenging, there’s no need to adopt a negative outlook. I truly believe that after the storm comes the calm.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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