Sebastian Kehl: We need to show courage and fighting spirit against Bayern Munich

Sebastian Kehl has issued the rallying cry ahead of Borussia Dortmund’s top of the table clash against Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga.

Borussia Dortmund will go up against Bayern Munich this weekend in what will be arguably the most important Der Klassiker in recent years. The two title rivals will go head to head, with top spot in the Bundesliga standings on offer for the winning team.

Borussia Dortmund will go into the game with a one point lead over Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga standings. Edin Terzic’s side have enjoyed an incredible turnaround since the turn of the year, and have come from nine points behind to take the lead at the top of the table.

Sebastian Kehl is anticipating a hard fought game in Munich on Saturday, and he wants the Black and Yellows to approach the game with fighting spirit, courage and passion.

"“We have to go there with a brave spirit, with the proper respect that is needed. But also with a lot of passion, great fighting spirit, courage – and then also with our qualities, which our squad has shown in recent weeks,” Kehl said.“We have scored many goals and conceded very few. We are on a good path. And I currently see very little that should stop us from not showing that on Saturday in Munich as well.”“A game like this can give us a real boost. We have to do a lot to achieve that, not just talk about it. In the end, we have to put in a good performance – but I’m very confident about that.”"

Kehl has also had his say on Bayern Munich’s decision to part ways with Julian Nagelsmann ahead of this weekend’s crunch clash. The Borussia Dortmund sporting director has admitted that he was surprised by the decision made by the Bayern Munich bosses. But he does not think the arrival of Thomas Tuchel will affect Saturday’s game as much.

"“Last week brought news from Munich that came as a bit of a surprise to us, but I can’t assess it very well from a distance because I’m not involved.”“I don’t think this coaching change will really affect the game, because many internationals are still away until the middle of the week and not a lot of training sessions can take place.”"

Tuchel, who was Borussia Dortmund head coach from 2015 to 2017, will be in the Bayern Munich dugout for the first time this weekend. The 49 year old said during his presentation press conference that he is looking forward to going up against his former employers on Saturday.