Having beaten Bayern Munich at home earlier this year in the UEFA Champions League, Barcelona announced their return to the highest level under Hansi Flick.
Over a month later, they face another German giant in Borussia Dortmund, this time away from home, and their change in form could not be more drastic.
Barcelona are currently in the worst place they have been all season and are struggling for consistency with teams figuring out the antidote to their high-defensive line. Needless to say, the game against Dortmund will be an uphill challenge.
Hansi Flick and Co. will be at a disadvantage playing away from home, but the Germans also have their fair share of problems with the manager having only one fit centre-back ahead of tomorrow night’s clash.
Dortmund manager has his say
Speaking to the media ahead of Dortmund’s clash against Barcelona, the manager Nuri Sahin gave his thoughts on the game and said that there were no favourites.
“There are no favourites, we play at the same level. Barça is close to us in the standings and we want to beat them. It will be important that we impose our way of playing.”
Nuri Sahin holds Frenkie de Jong in high regard. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
The manager then picked out his favourite player in the Blaugrana club and surprisingly chose a name who has not featured much for the team so far.
“De Jong is my favourite player at Barça. They should be very happy to have a player like him.”
The Dutchman goes into the game under immense pressure after he conceded a penalty in the drawn game against Real Betis this past weekend and will be hoping to prove himself.
Meanwhile, Nuri Sahin also confirmed that Niklas Sule would not be available on the night and gave an update on the centre-back’s setback.
“He will be on leave for a few months, he has a serious injury.”
Source: SPORT