Kobel on European heartbreak, balancing expectations and media criticism

BVB’s Swiss shot-stopper spoke in detail about getting over their disastrous night in Bergamo, Nico Schlotterbeck’s ambitions for the club and facing media backlash.

Shelving the disappointment from last night’s Champions League exit, Gregor Kobel touched on what’s next for Borussia Dortmund and their preparation for Saturday’s clash with Bayern Munich.

“It’s a tough situation to be in [after the Atalanta defeat]. I think it’s easier said than done, but sometimes you just have to keep going and focus on the next game. It’s part of football.

“For us as professionals, it’s important to focus on what we can do in training to get some good energy back in the team and play well in our game this Saturday [against Bayern]. 

“Despite the circumstances, it was a really good training session [today]. We’re preparing to get the body right and mind right for an important game on Saturday,” he told reporters at BVB’s Brackel training grounds. 

Regarding Nico Schlotterbeck’s comments on Dortmund’s ambition to win the league and criticism from the media, the Swiss goalkeeper took a calm approach and spoke highly of both.

“I think it [Schlotterbeck’s comments] was more of a thing on the outside than the inside. When you play for this club it’s always clear that you strive for the maximum and try to win.

“In the last few years we came close but never got it done. […] Failure is sometimes part of the game. I think the comments were good in my opinion, he made that clear that we always strive for the maximum.

“There’s a positive atmosphere around the club, but if you’re Borussia Dortmund and you’re not first [in the table] or don’t win the league there’s always disappointment.

“Obviously we try our best, but I think we have to deal with the situation because we aim for the best. Sometimes you can’t reach it and you have to face the [critical] noise,” he explained.