Sabitzer irritated with his role against Club Brugge: “Not my ideal position”

Marcel Sabitzer was frustrated at not playing in what he considers his best position in Borussia Dortmund’s win over Club Brugge.

After coming off the bench against Heidenheim, Marcel Sabitzer was back in Borussia Dortmund’s starting lineup for Wednesday’s 3-0 win over Club Brugge in the Champions League.

Much to his own frustration, however, the Austria international didn’t play in his preferred central midfield role, but on the wing.

“The number 6 position is better. It’s a completely different game for me than playing in the middle. It is not my ideal position. But you play where the coach puts you. You have to respect that,” Sabitzer said in a post-match interview.

Borussia Dortmund coach Nuri Sahin said he’s well aware of where Sabitzer prefers to play.

“My relationship with him is very good, and I know that he prefers to play as a No. 6 because he’s told me that ten thousand times,” Sahin said.

“I also know that he plays better as a No. 6, but there are situations where we need him in his current position and that’s where he’s playing at the moment.

“I know that Sabi’s ideal position is in a double pivot. He will play games there for us – and play them well. I’m very happy to have a player like that.”