Borussia Dortmund and interim coach Niko Kovač aim to put their Bundesliga disappointments behind them as they gear up for their Champions League encounter with Newcastle United. Following their 0-4 drubbing at the hands of Bayern, the German giants are eager to halt their downward spiral and regain their form.
Whilst Emre Can's knee injury continues to cause concerns, the entire team remains hopeful. Kovač, in particular, has expressed optimism, stating that they want to improve swiftly and demonstrate their resilience. The 41-year-old coach is buoyed by Borussia's 1-0 win against Newcastle two weeks ago, asserting that they can excel at the top level when they deliver top-notch performances.
Midfielder Salih Özcan echoes Kovač's sentiments, expressing confidence in the team's ability to bounce back. The players have grown significantly in handling setbacks since last season, oscillating from frustration to determination. Özcan believes that on Tuesday, the team can showcase its improvement and perform better than in the previous Bundesliga outing.
A win against Newcastle could elevate Dortmund to the top of Group F, provided AC Milan registers a positive result against Paris Saint-Germain. Despite the circumstances, the squad will have to do without Emre Can due to his ongoing injury. The international midfielder has yet to train since the Newcastle match, but Kovač asserts that hope is not lost yet.
Meanwhile, full-back Ramy Bensebaini, who has struggled recently, will be back in the line-up. Kovač's focus on stamina and unwavering determination could be crucial in overcoming their opponents, especially in the absence of some key players.
Under Kovač's guidance, Dortmund is looking to build upon their recent victory against Newcastle in the Champions League, using their top performance as a springboard. With a determined leader and a resilient team, the German club hopes to turn their season around in a competition they performed well in last season.
Despite Emre Can's injury and lingering setbacks, Dortmund remains optimistic, focusing on their strengths and strategic planning to overcome their opponents. The interim coach's emphasis on hard work and determination could be vital in assisting the team in climbing back up the table and stamping their authority on Group F.
