Pascal Groß: Borussia Dortmund’s ambition is to win games in a clearer fashion

Ahead of Borussia Dortmund’s clash with Celtic in the UEFA Champions League, head coach Nuri Şahin and German international Pascal Groß sat down for a pre-match press conference. During the press conference, Groß discussed a number of topics including Dortmund’s performances in the lead-up to this match, his excitement to be playing in the Champions League, as well as a possible coaching career after he retires.

In terms of Dortmund’s performances, Groß commented on the club’s ambitions to improve and work as a unit to achieve more favorable results on the pitch:

"We defend together and attack together. We know that we have to play and win games at Borussia Dortmund. We want to win games more clearly and in a better way. That is our ambition."

- Pascal Groß

So far, attacking and defending in unison has been a slight struggle for BVB as a whole, but Groß himself has been a model example of how the team as a whole should be working in cohesion in both attack and defense. Groß has contributed going forward with his keen eye for a pass, distributing the ball in an impressive manner to create chances from his deeper position on the pitch, while at the same time attending to defensive duties and pitching in when Dortmund are put under pressure by their opposition. This has not been the case for everyone in the squad yet, but per Groß’s words, it’s something that they seem to be working on rectifying.

With the game against Celtic on the horizon, and it being their second match of the Champions League campaign, Dortmund very much needs to find this cohesion so that they can get the required results. Dortmund's current form has done little to dampen Groß’s mood ahead of the fixture however, with the German international expressing excitement ahead of the game, and crediting the fans and the home atmosphere they create for this excitement:

"Tomorrow evening is very special for me. The fans have carried us in the last few home games - that's honestly the greatest thing about this club for me. I'm really looking forward to tomorrow!"

- Pascal Groß

Dortmund’s “Gelbe Wand” is always an asset for the club during home games, with the stand often being recognized as the club’s 12th man. Against Celtic, this will create quite the atmosphere as the traveling away fans are also likely to be deafening on account of the occasion.

On the field, Groß will very much be one of the critical players for Dortmund as he continues to dictate play from the center of the park. Groß’s importance doesn’t just come down to his skill as a footballer however, but also because of his propensity to evolve and learn as a player. His interest in the game may even see him pursue becoming a coach after he retires, per his own admission:

"I write down a lot of things; otherwise, you forget them. I’m very interested in football, always wanting to learn more. I want to take everything in, for now just as a player. But I’m also looking ahead and certainly have an interest in a coaching job."

- Pascal Groß

For now, however, Groß is very much focused on the game against Celtic. His Dortmund journey has just begun and the club is certainly lucky to have such a talented and analytical player in their ranks helping to spearhead this new era under Nuri Şahin. As a player with a vast wealth of experience, we can rest assured that his contributions will be game-defining as Dortmund’s season continues.