Dortmund Boss Nuri Sahin Confident Ahead of Bologna Clash

Borussia Dortmund manager Nuri Sahin remains optimistic despite his team's poor Bundesliga form, as they prepare to face Bologna in the Champions League, seeking a win to take a big step towards the round of 16.

🎙️ Nuri Sahin on our UCL campaign so far:

"We're doing well in the Champions League and want to finish in the top eight. Tomorrow we can take a big step towards the top eight."

— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) January 20, 2025

Borussia Dortmund manager Nuri Sahin is remaining optimistic despite his team's poor Bundesliga form, as they prepare to face Bologna in the Champions League on Tuesday. Dortmund's 2-0 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday marked their third consecutive defeat in the Bundesliga, leaving them 10th in the table with 25 points. However, Sahin is looking forward to the Champions League clash, saying, “You can't compare the Champions League with the Bundesliga, the stars are better aligned here, and hopefully tomorrow with a win we can take a big step towards the round of 16.”

🎙️ Nuri Sahin on our UCL campaign so far:

"We're doing well in the Champions League and want to finish in the top eight. Tomorrow we can take a big step towards the top eight."

— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) January 20, 2025

Dortmund currently sits ninth in the Champions League table, just one point off the top eight, which would secure a place in the knockout stage. They have 12 points after six games, behind leaders Lille, who visit Liverpool on Tuesday. Bologna, on the other hand, is still without a win and sits fourth-bottom in the 36-team table with just two points. Sahin acknowledged the pressure on his team but expressed confidence in their abilities. “Of course, it affects each individual, but I don't feel any pressure at all. We all have to deliver,” he told reporters on Monday.

Sahin took responsibility for trying to turn around his team's slow start to the year and backed his players despite growing criticism. “I've never felt let down,” the 36-year-old coach said of his players. “I'm the coach, I have to lead the way. Everyone knows that more has to come... We know what they can do. And we know what we want to do tomorrow.” Sahin's optimism is evident as he looks to Tuesday's match as an opportunity to gain momentum for the Bundesliga. “It affects me personally. But I'm fine. I'm really looking forward to the game, and I'm confident. We want to take a giant step and at the same time gain momentum for the Bundesliga.”