Mats Hummels: Not qualifying for the Champions League would be a disaster for Borussia Dortmund

Mats Hummels has said that not qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League would be a disaster for Borussia Dortmund. Defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday left the Black and Yellows seven points shy of fourth place with just seven games to go in the Bundesliga this season.

And Hummels believes that finishing in the top four will now be very difficult, even if they win all seven of their remaining matches. In an interview with Sky Germany after the game, the Borussia Dortmund centre-back said:

"“We have dug ourselves a big hole again with the games against Cologne and Frankfurt. If you’re being realistic, it’s going to be very difficult to finish fourth, even with six or seven wins. We need to put in the performances in the Bundesliga and advance in the cup competitions, and then see where that gets us.”"

Hummels was Borussia Dortmund’s best player on the pitch on Saturday, and made vital contributions on both ends of the pitch. The 32 year old scored the equaliser on the stroke of half time, after a Nico Schulz own goal had given Eintracht Frankfurt the early lead. But he wasn’t able to prevent his side from suffering a damaging defeat.

Asked about the possible consequences of missing out on qualifying for the Champions League, Hummels said that it would be a disaster, both in sporting and financial terms.

"“Logically, it would have financial consequences and it may be that you can’t buy someone you want or have to sell someone you want to keep. But that’s not my field, I don’t have any knowledge about that, I don’t know the numbers. Not reaching the Champions League would be a disaster, both in sporting and financial terms.”"

Hummels was also critical of Borussia Dortmund’s performance against Eintracht Frankfurt. He felt that the team lacked control, and did not create enough chances despite getting into good positions in the final third.

"“It was shocking how many times we had a dangerous situation 20 meters in front of goal during the second-half and did not manage to make something good out of it. We were too careless with the ball, too unfocused and simply not good enough technically. That’s where other teams are ahead of us.”"

Michael Zorc said after the game that he expected a better performance from the team, but he did not want to give up on Borussia Dortmund’s top four hopes just yet.

"“This is obviously very disappointing for us as we’re now seven points behind fourth place,” Zorc said. “But there are still seven games left to play and of course we’re not giving up. But we also have to admit we did not produce the kind of performance that deserved a win. I expected a better performance than we ultimately produced.”"

Borussia Dortmund must now pick themselves back up quickly, with the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal against Manchester City coming up on Tuesday.