Schlotterbeck Reflects on Dortmund’s Championship Ambitions

Defender’s Confidence in Title Challenge

Borussia Dortmund’s defender, Nico Schlotterbeck, has shared further thoughts regarding his team’s chances in the Bundesliga title race. Despite the club’s mixed feelings about his assertion that BVB was back in the competition against league leaders Bayern Munich just last week, Schlotterbeck reiterated his confidence during an interview on Saturday.

Performance and Suspension Impact

Although not the standout player for BVB in their tight 1-2 victory against Wolfsburg, Schlotterbeck’s actions contributed to a turning point in the match. His handball in the 51st minute allowed Wolfsburg to score an equalizing goal from a set piece. Additionally, the yellow card he received for this offense, marking his fifth of the season, means he will miss the upcoming Bundesliga match against Mainz.

Expressing Regret and Leadership

“That’s really disappointing,” Schlotterbeck commented regarding his upcoming suspension when speaking to Sky Germany. “As the captain in Emré Can’s absence, it’s my role to guide the team. We had a solid first half today, but struggled in the second. Sometimes that’s just how football goes. We were quite fortunate to have only conceded once during their intense pressure.”

Emphasizing Mentality and Focus

“Today, we demonstrated what many have claimed we’ve lacked for years: a strong mentality,” Schlotterbeck explained to Sky. “We possess the individual talent necessary to influence games. It’s crucial for us to remain concentrated and maintain our belief in climbing the league standings. I genuinely hope my comments fueled the team’s spirit, and they recognized my commitment to the title race.”