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Just days after Bayern Munich’s humiliation at home, Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic insisted his side would bounce back in Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Newcastle.
Buoyed by their 1-0 win at St. James’ Park in October, Dortmund collapsed 4-0 on Saturday, against a Harry Kane-inspired Bayern side.
“It’s very disappointing and frustrating,” Terzic told reporters on Monday, revealing that his team had a “very open and very fair analysis” of Sunday’s match.
After the game, midfielder Julian Brandt said his team lacked “courage and everything that was in our pants” against Bayern, while goalkeeper Gregor Kobel said he was “furious” after the performance.
Terzic, however, said his players were united and had taken away their sadness.
“Our purpose now is to move forward. “
Dortmund had high hopes against an injured Bayern but were sent off the pitch and have beaten their southern rivals in the league since 2018.
The defeat means Terzic’s side, unbeaten in the past, sit seven times top of Bayer Leverkusen after just 10 league games, well in the title race.
Dortmund can take a step towards qualifying for the last 16 of the Champions League with a win over Newcastle.
Leaving an organization that also includes Paris Saint-Germain and last season’s semifinalist AC Milan would be a feat.
Newcastle have regained form after the defeat to Dortmund and have beaten Manchester United and Arsenal ahead of Tuesday’s match.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe on Monday called the game “I have to win” but said “it’s ingrained in me. I think each and every match is something I have to win. “
“That’s the only way to prepare, we prepare to test and win each and every game. We never have anything else in mind, so that’s what we’re going to try to do in this one. “
Meanwhile, Howe showed that Dan Burn would miss “a few months” after injuring his spine, and fellow defender Matt Targett was out for several months due to a sore hamstring, the latest in a string of injuries that have plagued the club.
“You see who’s fit, who’s available. We’ve added some young players to the team, but we’re going to continue with that. That’s all we can do,” Howe said.
“There will be injuries, the challenge for us is that a lot of the injuries we have right now are long-term, which means there’s no relief to come. “
– ‘Not happy’ –
Terzic warned that Newcastle “are satisfied with his performance two weeks ago” and will improve.
“If they’re better, then we’re going to have to be better. “
The 41-year-old expects an “open and intense game” and said: “We don’t want to be told about Newcastle, we know how smart they are. “
In addition to the stopover in Newcastle on Tuesday, Dortmund will visit Milan and host PSG in their final matches of organization.
“If we want to qualify for the round of 16, we have to win our home games,” Terzic said.
“We will do everything we can to take advantage of our chance to win at home and take a vital step forward in this group. “
Dortmund may be without captain Emre Can, who is still recovering from a knee injury sustained in the last game in England.
Left-back Ramy Bensebaini is also questionable with a thigh problem.
Howe said his team’s meteoric performance in recent seasons under new Saudi ownership still surprises him, as the club was a relegation candidate just two years ago.
Howe revealed that his only objective when he took over at Newcastle in November 2021 was to save the team from relegation.
“To be at this point so soon after those moments is something we don’t take for granted. “
Americans abroad: Gio Reyna was among Borussia Dortmund’s highest-rated players in Wednesday’s 1-0 German Cup win over Hoffenheim but remained on the bench in Saturday’s loss to Bayern.
DWI/CH
© Agence France-Presse
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