Emre Can reflects on return to starting XI and “bitter” draw

Emre Can has shared his thoughts on his long-awaited return to Borussia Dortmund’s starting eleven and his side’s performance in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with HSV.

Having fought his way back from a long-term injury, Emre Can made his first start of the season in Borussia Dortmund’s 1-1 draw with Hamburger SV on Saturday.

Speaking in the mixed zone after the game, the BVB captain said he was pleased to complete the full 90 minutes but disappointed with the result following Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer’s late equaliser.

“Personally, it was nice to be back on the pitch. I felt fit, but I would have preferred to win. It was very, very unfortunate and bitter,” Can said.

“Even in the minutes before the equaliser, we should have played much better football. We only had short periods of possession, weren’t composed enough, and need to hold the ball better. We simply allow too many crosses.

“It’s bitter because we played a solid game. And you have to keep in mind we’ve had a very busy schedule. The guys aren’t machines – they’re human and tired. Still, today we played well up to the edge of the penalty area, allowed very few chances against us and were leading deservedly,” he concluded.