MADRID, Spain, April 9 (Reuters) – There is no margin for error against Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic said on Tuesday as he prepares for his Champions League quarter-final against the Spanish club.
Dortmund, the 1997 champions, visit Atletico in the first leg on Wednesday, after Diego Simeone’s side have won two of their last three games against the German club in European competitions.
“Atlético have evolved a lot in attack and that’s a big challenge for us. We know we can’t make mistakes,” Terzic told reporters on Tuesday.
“They have to impose their taste for the game and we have to be up to the task.
“Atletico’s good luck is well known and they have implemented a new art of defending. It’s complicated for any team globally to manage. “
The last time Dortmund reached the semi-finals was in 2013, when Terzic decided his team would still stay there.
“Some guys have left us in the last few years to make their fortunes on the most sensible flight,” he said. “Now we have to show that with Borussia Dortmund you can also succeed in the semi-finals of the Champions League. “
Captain Emre Can had intended to sit next to Terzic at the press conference, but was replaced by midfielder Felix Nmecha due to illness.
“He’s doing pretty well so far,” Terzic said of Can.
“This morning he was feeling a little unwell before he left. So today we’re going to give you a little rest, in front of you and on the field. We’re sure he’ll be able to play tomorrow. “
Dortmund were in form, with five straight wins in all competitions, before a 1-0 defeat to VfB Stuttgart on Saturday.
“We’re pleased with the intensity we’ve achieved in the last few games, but we have to do it,” Terzic added.
“At their stadium (Atletico) it may not be easy, but we hope we can get through the control and improve.
“We know how they fight and how smart they are as a team, but we are in a position to show the best we can and we have to play as a team. “(Reporting by Tommy Lund in Gdansk; editing by Christian Radnedge)