Ahead of the away game at Borussia Dortmund, there was a press conference with head coach Peter Bosz on Friday afternoon. The Bayer 04 coach was at the helm at BVB for six months in 2017 and now he returns to his old stomping ground. The Dutchman talked about...
…yesterday's 1-1 draw with FK Krasnodar: "Today we analysed the game together with the players after the training session and above all we looked at the way we played yesterday. But after that we said: Now it's over and let's look forward to the game against Dortmund."
…the next opponents Borussia Dortmund: "We've all seen they've started very well and have also played very well. It's been harder for them in recent weeks. But I have to say that Marco Reus – whether or not he plays on Sunday – is a very, very important player. I know about that because he was injured unfortunately when I was there and he wasn't able to play. The same applies to Lukasz Piszczek, who played all the games at the start under me and then he was injured. Back then we saw that it became more difficult. They are both very good and experienced players and important for the team. For Dortmund it is unfortunately the case that they won't be playing on Sunday. But, to be honest, that's not so bad for me. (he laughs) But I'd be happy if the players can play again after the match on Sunday – also because it's fun watching the pair of them."
…BVB's style of play: "Regardless of whether Marco Reus can play or not, it's clear how Dortmund play. And we can prepare for that. We've done that and we'll continue doing that."
…his own team's approach on Sunday: "I believe you've all seen how we've played over the last month. We try to do that every time – at home but also away. And therefore I think you can hazard a guess as to how we'd like to play."
…a possible comeback for Lars Bender who returned to full training on Friday: "If a player returns to training with the team then that means – if everything goes well – that he can be in the squad. It could be that Lars plays."
…Kai Havertz who collided with an opponent in yesterday's game against Krasnodar: "As was said yesterday it's looking very good for him. He had a bit of a headache last night but so did I. (he laughs) I think it will be okay."
…possible anticipation of the reunion with BVB: "Yes of course – it was a short stay but I had a good time there. I'm looking forward to the reunion on Sunday and I'm looking forward to being back in that stadium, seeing the fans again, the yellow wall. But also, of course, the members of staff and players who were there during my time."
…the question of whether he'd got to know all the positive and negative aspects of his team: "No, after a month and a half I can't say I know everything about the team. I've seen part of it and yesterday for example was the worst I've seen so far. But before that we played some very decent games. And that means we can do it but unfortunately we didn't do it yesterday."
