Marco Rose ahead of Sporting CP clash: Playing for a draw is not an option for us
Marco Rose has said that Borussia Dortmund will not play for a draw against Sporting CP on Wednesday as they look to seal their place in the UEFA Champions League round of 16.
The stakes are high as Borussia Dortmund take on Sporting CP in the penultimate matchday of the UEFA Champions League group stage on Wednesday evening. A win in Lisbon would see the Black and Yellows qualify for the round of 16, and even a draw would put them in a commanding position going into the final matchday of the group stage.
Marco Rose was asked about how Borussia Dortmund will approach their game against Sporting CP during the pre-match press conference. And the BVB head coach made it clear that they will play for a win, and not for a draw.
"“Playing for a draw is not an option,” Rose said. “It doesn’t work for us. So we’ll play to win. Like we always do.”"
Borussia Dortmund cannot afford to lose on Wednesday, as it would likely mean that they will be playing Europa League football after the turn of the year.
Gregor Kobel: It’s a must-win game for us
Gregor Kobel, who attended the press conference along with Marco Rose, sees Wednesday’s game as a must-win one and wants Borussia Dortmund to take an aggressive approach against Sporting CP.
"“We are aware that it is a very, very important game,” Kobel said. “We are Borussia Dortmund, we look forward to games like these. It’s a must-win game. We’ll go in aggressively and with the required energy.”“When you play for Borussia Dortmund, these are the kind of games you look forward to. I hope there are a few more of these to come.”"
Next. Expected Borussia Dortmund lineup for Sporting CP clash. dark
Borussia Dortmund will again be without a number of key players on Wednesday, with Erling Haaland, Thorgan Hazard, Mats Hummels, Gio Reyna, Youssoufa Moukoko and Marius Wolf all absent from the squad. But Dan-Axel Zagadou could be in contention for his first senior start since March. Mahmoud Dahoud and Nico Schulz have also traveled with the team to Portugal, and could be in the squad on Wednesday.