Before the top game against RB: Kehl wants BVB Leipzig performance culture

Wednesday, January 06, 2021

Before the top game against RB
Kehl wants a performance culture in Leipzig at BVB

It is rumbling with the fourth place: First Mats Hummels criticizes that he wants to see "adult football", now BVB licensed player boss Sebastian Kehl is calling for a new "performance culture". The role model for this should be RB Leipzig of all things – the opponent of the so far disappointing Dortmund on Saturday.

Sebastian Kehl has made the Borussia Dortmund professionals responsible for the Bundesliga top game on Saturday (6.30 p.m. / Sky) at RB Leipzig and other difficult tasks in January. "The team is now responsible. We all know that we are in an unusual situation for Borussia Dortmund. That is why it is now important that we create a new performance culture on the pitch. Leipzig will certainly be an indicator for us", said the BVB licensed player boss with reference to the unsatisfactory fourth place in the table.

However, Kehl does not want to rate the game against the currently six point better opponent as a groundbreaking duel for the position as the second force in German football: "I don't want to call a power struggle. The Leipzigers have done a lot and recently had an outstanding Champions League season They are developing very well in their system. But we should start by beating them on Saturday, "said Kehl. The former BVB captain recalled the Revierklub's strong performance at RB Leipzig in the past two seasons with two wins (2: 0/1: 0).

"We can play football better"

The latest criticism from defense chief Mats Hummels that Borussia, under the direction of the now released coach Lucien Favre, often played too little "adult football" recently, Kehl considers to be justified: "It is totally legitimate that our vice-captain and such an experienced player like Mats Hummels is also allowed to put his finger in the wound. His statements are correct in many areas, I share them. We can play football better and have more potential. "

As in the hard-fought 2-0 win over VfL Wolfsburg last Sunday, BVB will have to do without Thorgan Hazard and Jude Bellingham in Leipzig. The 17-year-old midfielder will only be able to return to work in the coming weeks due to a foot injury. On the other hand, Youssoufa Moukoko, who is still a year younger, is returning to the squad after recovering from a knee injury.

Kehl has also confirmed his interest in taking over from Michael Zorc as sports director at Borussia Dortmund in summer 2022. "Overall, of course, I have the confidence to do the job and I am convinced that I can handle it well," said the former BVB captain.