Sebastian Kehl does not see Heidenheim draw as a step backwards for Borussia Dortmund

Sebastian Kehl does not believe that Borussia Dortmund's failure to get the three points against Heidenheim was a step backwards for the team.

Borussia Dortmund were held to a goalless draw by Heidenheim on Friday evening, with the team's lack of creativity resulting in strong criticism from fans and analysts alike. Edin Terzic was also critical of the way the Black and Yellows played against Heidenheim. But Sebastian Kehl did not share the same opinion.

The BVB sporting director did not view the draw as a step backwards, and added that he feels the team has improved in recent weeks. Kehl also cited the absence of various key players due to illness and injuries as one of the reasons for the result.

"It was definitely not a step backwards. I would say it was a small step forward, not a big one," Kehl said (via Sport1). "[We have] improved in recent weeks and have been playing better football. If you have to replace nine players, then of course it will be difficult. In the end, any team in the world would struggle to compensate for that."

"The bottom line is: it's a fair result. We didn't create enough goalscoring opportunities. Heidenheim defended passionately and also had one or two chances. So, yes, it's two dropped points, but we'll take the point and move on."

The draw leaves Borussia Dortmund further off the pace from the Bundesliga top three, with league leaders Bayer Leverkusen a whopping 15 points in front. Fifth placed RB Leipzig will now also have the opportunity to close the gap to Edin Terzic's side when they take on Union Berlin on Sunday. Next up for BVB is a home game against SC Freiburg in the Bundesliga on Friday.