Dortmund facing Real: Great game, wrong time

By Oliver Trust

BERLIN, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Borussia Dortmund is one of the clubs that has always given the giants of Real Madrid a hard time over the last years. In 2017 things have changed for the 2012 German Champions. When crossing swords with the Spanish side this Wednesday evening, the Blacks and Yellows stand for the underdog role and hope to get away without getting crushed.

Another frustrating defeat would increase tensions inside the club as controversial debates about the future of head-coach Peter Bosz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang indicate a broader crisis. Rumors speak about a near end of Bosz and the departure of the Gabon rooted star striker as early as in the next winter break.

Former Dortmund coach Juergen Klopp (Liverpool FC) is said to be highly interested in signing Aubameyang and paying up to 60 million euro. FC Chelsea and Everton complete the list.

Dortmund is far from reaching its season goals. After a poor performance, Borussia missed the knock-out stage and is in danger to even lose the Euro League qualification as group third having achieved only two points. Two poor draws against Champions League underdog Apoel Nicosia caused disappointment. In the Bundesliga, the side lost ground and dropped out of the Champions League positions.

While the departure of this season's Champions League competition is a fact, the club is in danger to cross a red line in the national league. Club CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has made clear to be part of the Champions League is essential for his side. Rumors speak about Bosz's last change to create a turn-around as he needs to win the next Bundesliga game at home against Werder Bremen this Saturday.

Dortmund could not win one of the last seven games.

Sports director Michael Zorc told German media the club is patient and willing to find the way back to success with coach Bosz. Pundits meanwhile regard the club' s maneuvers as the attempt to gain time as no appropriate coaching option seems to be around.

Hoffenheim coach Julian Nagelsmann is said to be on Dortmund's watch list next to Swiss Lucien Favre (OGC Nice). Former German international Lothar Matthaeus recommended trying to get David Wagner from the Premier League side Huddersfield Town. "He is the perfect man for Dortmund as he is German and has a strong connection to the club," Matthaeus commented.

46-year-old Wagner was in charge of Dortmund's U-23 junior teams from 2011 to 2015.

Having to replace several injured performers such as Mario Goetze, Marco Reus, Oemer Toprak, Gonzalo Castro and Maximilian Philipp Dortmund goal is to defend the third place and at least qualify for the Euro league as Zorc stated. "We want to make further progress when it comes to stability in our game," Zorc stressed.

Doubts remain if Bosz is the right man to lead the side back on track. Borussia is seen a club in a state of limbo.

In advance of the Real game, Bosz expressed his optimism. "We just need a victory to get things sorted out. The team is willing to perform well and is in a good mental state," the Dutchman stated presumably not talking about Wednesday's game but the national duel against Bremen. To beat Bremen would be of much more value, but to return from Madrid having achieved a satisfying result would at least create a better mood.

Meanwhile, Dortmund's club leaders are expected to take action regarding new players to cure the side' s instability in the defense as early as in the winter break.

"Despite the many injured we don't see the necessity to look for attackers," Zorc commented. Pundits assume the club could change its attitude when Aubameyang is leaving. Enditem