Niklas Süle believes Borussia Dortmund have a big opportunity to lift silverware this season

In an interview with Norbert “Nobby” Dickel, Borussia Dortmund’s Niklas Süle underlined the opportunity they have to achieve something special this season.

Ahead of Borussia Dortmund’s clash with Hoffenheim this weekend, Niklas Süle sat down with Nobby Dickel in a new edition of the club’s Matchday Magazine to discuss a variety of topics with a focus on what they could possibly achieve this season. Süle was very vocal about the fact that they are aware of the chance they’ve been handed this season; an opportunity to lift silverware due to their overall impressive displays since the winter break:

"“Obviously it’s gone very well for us in terms of points. We really made up some ground and bounced back. Our aim was to make a good start to the second part of the season, and to make as much as we can of these six months – we’re still in all three competitions. We’re working hard to make the most of it, and I think everyone in the team understands what a huge opportunity we have.”"

Of course, for BVB to make the most of this chance they will have to maintain a level of consistency that has evaded the club in recent years. With the team going on an eight game winning streak since the start of the Rückrunde, there is a new sense of optimism, if not right out expectation, that this consistency can be sustained.

Süle also took time to heap praise on Karim Adeyemi, stating that his uptick in form has been impressive, but also expected due to the talent the team knows he possesses:

"“I think Karim didn’t live up to his own expectations before Christmas, but we saw how he really pushed himself hard at the winter training camp in Marbella. He was really ambitious and he has lived up to that. He didn’t score in the first few games, but he worked so hard…Everyone knew that his pace and talent are incredible, and that’s why Dortmund signed him.”"

Niklas Süle wished his teammate and compatriot a swift recovery, and also underlined that he believed Adeyemi would maintain his new found scoring form upon his return. His lackluster form wasn’t only a result of his own poor performances, but the team’s poor form as a whole, which Süle recognizes has improved quite significantly.

In tandem with his comments regarding Adeyemi, Süle also touched on the difference in play style between himself and his teammates Nico Schlotterbeck and Mats Hummels. Süle praised both for their ability to “defend on the front foot” but noted that this wasn’t his style at all; His preference has always been to track the run of opposition and battle with said players while “on the run”, which lends itself to the fact that he is a player who doesn’t commit many fouls.

BVB take on a club that Süle knows very well this weekend. The German international is a former Hoffenheim player and his performances for them are what brought the world’s attention to his ability as a central defender.

Niklas Süle noted that he is still in touch with players at Hoffenheim as many of those that still ply their trade for the club were there when he came into their first team. It will make the occasion all the more special for Süle as he attempts to help Dortmund continue their win-streak and further press their claim to Bundesliga silverware this season.