Roman Bürki: Borussia Dortmund are making good progress under Edin Terzic

Roman Bürki has praised the work Edin Terzic has done since taking over as Borussia Dortmund head coach last month.

Edin Terzic was appointed head coach until the end of the season after Borussia Dortmund decided to part ways with Lucien Favre last month. The 38 year old has made an impressive start, winning four of his first five games in charge at the club. And goalkeeper Roman Bürki believes that the Black and Yellows have made impressive progress in recent weeks, saying that every player now has a clear role on the pitch.

"“We’ve definitely made progress in recent days and weeks in terms of the system and positional play,” Bürki said. “We’re not running around wildly, but have a very clear task on the pitch. You can also see that in the pressing, how we approach it. There’s a bit more life in us now, which was previously lacking – and that starts in training.”"

Bürki also said that finishing in the top four has to be the minimum goal for the season, and not qualifying for the UEFA Champions League would be a big disappointment.

"“We had a weak phase. At the moment, we’re on an upward curve again. Qualifying directly for the Champions League must definitely be our goal. Anything else would be a big disappointment.”"

Borussia Dortmund had slipped out of the top four going into the winter break, but have now moved up to fourth place in the Bundesliga standings. With wins against VfL Wolfsburg and RB Leipzig in their last two games, Der BVB have also closed the gap to the top three.

Bürki also previewed this weekend’s clash against Mainz 05, and said that bottom of the table side will offer Borussia Dortmund a tough test this weekend. “For us, the big games are easier at the moment and we have less trouble playing there than against opponents who tend to stay deep. It will be a very difficult game. We have to prepare very well and find the solutions.”

The Swiss shot stopper also spoke about Axel Witsel’s injury, and said that the midfielder’s absence is a huge blow for Borussia Dortmund both on and off the pitch.

"“It is a bitter loss. We will miss Axel with his personality and on the pitch as well. He has always been an important player. We have already sent him our best wishes and we hope that he can be back on the pitch sooner than expected,” Bürki said."

Witsel tore his achilles tendon in the game against RB Leipzig last weekend, and is expected to be out for several months.