Niko Kovac: “We have to do more against top teams”

Borussia Dortmund’s coach asks his players to raise their standards for Saturday’s big clash.

After Barcelona’s four unanswered goals, Borussia Dortmund’s hopes of another Champions League semi-final appearance look very unlikely. However, the Black and Yellows will have another top game on Saturday away at league leaders Bayern Munich.

“We have to put in a good performance to have a chance of winning,” said Niko Kovac in his pre-game press conference. “From the coaching staff to the players, everyone has a responsibility. Together, we can win something in Munich.

“We have to do more. Against top teams, you have to push yourself to the limit, which we didn’t do in Barcelona. The standard has to be raised for the entire 90 minutes. It’ll be very difficult, but we need to give 100 percent tomorrow”.

Dortmund sit eighth in the Bundesliga table, but their back-to-back wins now put them within five points of a Champions League berth. Pascal Groß will return to BVB’s midfield after missing the European trip due to suspension. Meanwhile, the return leg of the Barcelona tie will be played on Tuesday.