Edin Terzić: Borussia Dortmund doesn’t “need a warning” ahead of Newcastle clash

Borussia Dortmund head coach Edin Terzić spoke at a press conference ahead of the club’s Champions League game against Newcastle United.

Ahead of Borussia Dortmund’s Champions League home game against Newcastle United, head coach Edin Terzić spoke at the pre game press conference to give some insight on what to expect for the upcoming game. Of course, the Dortmund head coach noted that his side need no warnings about Newcastle as they’re well aware of their qualities, both having played them away in the Champions League and having seen them perform against top opposition as of late:

"“We don’t need a warning about Newcastle. We know how good they are. They recently beat Manchester United and Arsenal. They weren’t happy with their performance in the first leg. It will be an open and intense game.”"

After having lost to Bayern at home in a demoralizing 4-0 defeat, Dortmund will certainly be looking to bounce back quickly. Terzić was quick to note that the team has put the result behind them and they are focusing on the new task at hand:

"“It was very disappointing because we had worked hard before and had high ambitions. But we told ourselves that we would be very honest with each other. We reviewed the start phase, especially when we were 0-2 down, that’s when our game really started. We have been very open and honest with each other to move forward starting from Monday. We don’t just want to learn from Saturday’s game but also take it as a warning.”"

This sentiment was echoed by Dortmund midfielder Marcel Sabitzer in an interview for The Athletic, stating that the experience brought the team together:

"“We’re not sitting in the changing room thinking: ‘It doesn’t matter what happens, we get paid anyway’. Everyone was made aware of what it means to play for Dortmund, what you have to put into it. Everyone said their bit, and we all agreed on the things we needed to improve. The whole thing worked out well. It brought us closer together.”"

Dortmund, according to all parties involved, are taking the Newcastle game very seriously and will look to give their all to get the win. The lessons from the Bayern game will have to translate quickly against Newcastle, as the reverse leg was a very intense affair, according to Terzić:

"“It was a very intense start. Newcastle was brave, aggressive, pressing high. After 15 minutes, we were able to gain control. We aimed to be even more efficient in the spaces they provide for us to be successful.”"

Efficiency in open space is certainly something Dortmund lacked against Bayern, as many of the most egregious mistakes of play came from turnovers in dangerous areas or missed-place passes. Dortmund could certainly learn from the experience and apply the same approach to Newcastle to good affect, as they did in the reverse fixture.

As with any fixtures in their group, it is a must win game should they wish to make it to the next round of the competition. Newcastle will not be as naive as they were in the first leg either, as they will have had time to analyze BVB’s approach and will come to Germany looking for victory.