Stung Borussia Dortmund hope to rebound in crunch Champions League clash against Newcastle United
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Borussia Dortmund players after their 4-0 Bundesliga defeat by Bayern Munich on Nov 4.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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BERLIN – Just days after a humbling at home by Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic insisted his side would rebound in Tuesday’s Champions League Group F clash with Newcastle United.
Riding high after a 1-0 win at St James’ Park in October,
“It was very disappointing and frustrating,” Terzic said on Monday, revealing his side had a “very open and very honest analysis” of the match on Sunday.
After the game, midfielder Julian Brandt said his side lacked “courage and something in our pants” against Bayern, while goalkeeper Gregor Kobel said he was “fuming” following the performance.
Terzic, however, felt his side were unified and had put the disappointment behind them, saying: “Our focus now is on moving forward.”
Dortmund had high hopes against an undermanned Bayern, but were blown off the park and have now not beaten their southern rivals in the league since 2018. The loss means Terzic’s previously unbeaten side sit seven points off leaders Bayer Leverkusen after just 10 league matches, well off the pace in the title race.
However, Dortmund can take a massive step towards qualifying for the Champions League knockout rounds with a win over Newcastle.
Emerging from a group which also includes Paris Saint-Germain and last season’s semi-finalists AC Milan would be an impressive feat.
The Magpies have again found form after the loss to Dortmund and have beaten both Manchester United and Arsenal in the lead up to Tuesday’s game.
Terzic said Newcastle “were not happy with their performance two weeks ago” and would improve. He said: “If they’re better, then we’re going to have to be better”.
The 41-year-old coach expected an “open and intense game” and said “we don’t need to be warned about Newcastle – we know how good they are”.
Along with Newcastle’s visit on Tuesday, Dortmund travel to Milan and host PSG in their remaining group fixtures.
Said Terzic: “If we want to qualify for the knockout stage, we have to win our home matches. We will do everything we can to use our chance to win at home tomorrow and take an important step forward in this group.”
Dortmund could be without captain Emre Can, who is still recovering from a knee injury sustained in the previous match in England. Left-back Ramy Bensebaini is also a doubt with a thigh problem.
Meanwhile, holders Manchester City will qualify for the Champions League knockout rounds with two games to spare with victory over Young Boys on Tuesday but they may have to do it without Erling Haaland.
The Norwegian goal machine twisted his ankle during the 6-1 hammering of Bournemouth in the English Premier League and is a doubt for the clash with the Swiss club in Group G.
A draw would also likely be enough for City, on a perfect nine points, to guarantee a top-two spot, but Guardiola is unlikely to tinker too much with his team until top spot is confirmed.
He could opt to spare Haaland though, especially with a trip to Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday.
“He trains this afternoon, so I don’t know. We’ll speak with the doctors. Yesterday he told me he feels much better, but I don’t know,” said Guardiola.
“I will listen to him, if he says I am ready and I don’t have pain, I will consider to let him play. Tuesday to Sunday, there are a lot of games to come. Right now, if Erling isn’t ready, Julian (Alvarez) will play there.” AFP, REUTERS
