Borussia Dortmund vs Hertha Berlin: Post Match Quotes

Borussia Dortmund survived by the most narrow of margins yesterday in the round of 16 DFB-Pokal against Hertha Berlin.  Thomas Tuchel and a host of the players had a good deal to say post match.

We will start with Borussia Dortmund manager Tuchel when asked about the Sokratis red card:

"“There are very few red cards that are more unnecessary than this one. However, he wouldn’t have been picked for the shoot-out. We would have done everything to prevent him from taking a penalty – he took care of that himself.”"

Was Tuchel just being humorous for a moment?  Sure the red card was completely unwarranted and Sokratis was fortunate not to commit a red card foul within the first ten minutes, but it was funny to see Tuchel use that kind of crusty humor that he occasionally unleashes.

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Tuchel then went on to describe some other mistakes made in the match:

"We were very much in the game until Sokratis gave the ball away to Vedad Ibisevic. We shortly made another mistake, which cost us confidence and led to even more mistakes. Rapha [Guerreiro] didn’t hold the middle as we had hoped in the first half. He did better after the break, which allowed us to have more control in midfield."

I didn’t think Guerreiro played as poorly as Tuchel, but the Sokratis giveaway any supporter can get behind. Before that mistake, Borussia Dortmund was piling on the pressure and it was a huge let off that the chance didn’t result in the opener.

Next, we have Roman Burki on the shootout:

"“Most players we analysed were already subbed off. But I remembered from my time at Freiburg that Darida prefers the left side [from Bürki’s pov]. Luckily, it worked out again. I was a bit unlucky to not save the other two.”"

Burki was simply masterful in the penalty shootout, stoning Hertha Berlin cold on several shots.  It is always cool to hear how a slight memory from the past can assist a goal keeper in deciding what direction a player will shoot.  It is also nice to hear that Burki thought he could have saved the other two and the confidence in his own abilities are riding high.

Next: Borussia Dortmund are into the quarter finals of DFB-Pokal

Finally, Matthias Ginter on the match:

"“I’m very relieved. It was a tough cup tussle. We sustained many injuries within one game, some already in the first half. Then it was Ousmane in over time. I hope it won’t be too bad and we have time to recuperate before Saturday’s match in Darmstadt.”"

Going 120 minutes midweek is never optimal.  Luckily Borussia Dortmund is matched up against Darmstadt over the weekend before Benfica.  I would expect a heavy dose of rotation over the weekend against the last-place Bundesliga club.  Getting Ousmane Dembele healthy has to be the top priority heading into Champions League.