Kovac (BVB coach): “We didn’t come here just to participate. We want to perform well and achieve a positive result to take home.”

Kovac (BVB coach): “We didn’t come here just to participate. We want to perform well and achieve a positive result to take home.” Kovac (BVB coach): “Barça are the favorites, but let’s not forget that we were the finalists last year in the UCL.” Kovac (BVB coach): “Lamine Yamal? He is a great player. We know he is dangerous and we must try to stop him, but this must be done collectively.” Kovac (BVB coach): “Schlotterbeck will miss the game due to injury and Groß due to suspension. All the other players are available.”

The air crackles with anticipation as Borussia Dortmund prepare to face the formidable challenge of Barcelona in the hallowed grounds of Camp Nou. Ahead of this tantalizing Champions League encounter, the Dortmund coach, Kovac, has offered a candid glimpse into his team’s mindset and strategic approach, painting a picture of ambition tempered with respect for their esteemed opponents.

Kovac’s opening statement, “We didn’t come here just to participate. We want to perform well and achieve a positive result to take home,” immediately sets the tone for Dortmund’s intentions. It underscores a clear ambition that extends beyond simply gracing the quarter-final stage of Europe’s premier club competition. This declaration resonates with a hunger to compete fiercely and secure a tangible advantage to carry back to the Signal Iduna Park for the return leg.

This assertion speaks volumes about the mentality instilled within the Dortmund squad. It suggests a team that is not overawed by the reputation or the historical weight of Barcelona, but rather one that is determined to impose their own will on the game and strive for a victory on enemy territory. The phrase “positive result” hints at a pragmatic approach, acknowledging the difficulty of the task while maintaining a focus on securing either a win or a valuable draw.

Acknowledging the widely held perception of the upcoming clash, Kovac stated, “Barça are the favorites.” This recognition of Barcelona’s status as the predicted victors demonstrates a level of respect for the Catalan giants, their rich history in the Champions League, and the quality of their current squad. It is an honest assessment of the challenge that lies ahead for Borussia Dortmund.

However, Kovac’s next sentence serves as a powerful reminder of Dortmund’s own capabilities and recent achievements on the European stage: “but let’s not forget that we were the finalists last year in the UCL.” This statement is a potent injection of confidence, reminding everyone that Borussia Dortmund are not strangers to the highest echelons of the Champions League. Their journey to the final last season serves as a testament to their quality, resilience, and ability to compete with the very best teams in Europe.

This recollection of their recent success is likely intended to instill belief within his players, reminding them that they have the experience and the pedigree to once again challenge for the ultimate prize. It serves as a psychological anchor, grounding their ambition in the tangible reality of their past accomplishments in the competition.

Turning his attention to the individual brilliance within the Barcelona ranks, Kovac specifically addressed the threat posed by the young prodigy, Lamine Yamal. “Lamine Yamal? He is a great player,” Kovac acknowledged, recognizing the immense talent and potential of the Barcelona winger who has taken the footballing world by storm.

Kovac further elaborated on the dangers that Yamal presents to his team’s defense, stating, “We know he is dangerous and we must try to stop him.” This acknowledgment underscores the meticulous preparation that Dortmund will be undertaking to contain the Barcelona star, recognizing his ability to create moments of magic and turn the tide of a game.

Crucially, Kovac emphasized that stopping a player of Yamal’s caliber requires a collective effort. “but this must be done collectively,” he stressed, highlighting the importance of teamwork and coordinated defending to nullify the winger’s threat. This suggests that Dortmund will not rely on a single player to mark Yamal but will instead employ a comprehensive defensive strategy involving multiple players and tactical discipline.

Finally, Kovac provided an update on the team’s availability, delivering both positive and negative news. “Schlotterbeck will miss the game due to injury and Groß due to suspension,” he confirmed, revealing the absence of two key players from his squad for this crucial encounter. The loss of a defender like Schlotterbeck and a player like Groß, potentially in midfield, will undoubtedly present a tactical challenge for Kovac as he finalizes his starting eleven.

However, Kovac offered a reassuring note by stating, “All the other players are available.” This news will be a significant boost for Borussia Dortmund, ensuring that the majority of their squad is fit and ready to compete against Barcelona. The availability of key personnel will provide Kovac with a range of options as he seeks to formulate a winning strategy for this highly anticipated Champions League quarter-final clash.

In conclusion, Kovac’s pre-match remarks paint a compelling picture of Borussia Dortmund’s approach to their Champions League encounter against Barcelona. They arrive at Camp Nou with a clear ambition to perform well and secure a positive result, fully aware of Barcelona’s status as favorites but drawing confidence from their own recent success in the competition. The Dortmund coach has also highlighted the specific threat posed by Lamine Yamal, emphasizing the need for a collective defensive effort to contain him, while also acknowledging the absence of key players through injury and suspension. The stage is now set for a fascinating battle between these two European giants, with Kovac’s words providing a tantalizing glimpse into the tactical and mental preparations underway in the Dortmund camp.