Feature: Aubameyang is Stoeger's biggest challenge

By Oliver Trust

BERLIN, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Peter Stoeger is said to be a specialist when humanity is part of the problem. You rarely hear him talk about his players' imperfection and weaknesses in public. Being appointed as new coach of 2012 German Champions Borussia Dortmund a few days ago, the Austrian is facing the maybe biggest challenge of his career as he is expected to ease the tensions around the Blacks and Yellows most colorful performer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The last-16-round-duel in the German Cup against Bayern Munich this Wednesday evening is expected to provide valuable hints if the 51-year-old will succeed.

Fact is: The mood of the entire club has changed to positive after two victories in the Bundesliga when beating Mainz (2-0) and Hoffenheim (2-1). So has the mood of the Gabon rooted striker.

Having scored his 12th and 13th season goals, BVB fans saw their hero smile and celebrate on the pitch. Pundits assume the club is determined to make another (maybe last) attempt to get along with Aubameyang's characteristics.

The club's CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke this week excluded a possible departure of the striker in the near winter break.

Sporting director Michael Zorc incidentally announced that Aubameyang has extended his contract until 2021. "Aubameyang will be part of our team after the winter break," Watzke told German media.

"He is a vital part of our plans as he has a long lasting contract. He might leave one day, but for now he is an essential performer for our team," Zorc commented.

Aubameyang is Dortmund's star turn, with 31 Bundesliga goals last season and 13 in 15 games so far this season.

However, he was suspended for a game last month for disciplinary reasons. Aubameyang's repeated tardiness is one of the leading topics for Borussia Dortmund in their attempt to secure the team's faith.

In a TV show, Zorc admitted that Aubameyang's poor time-keeping is an issue club bosses are struggling to resolve. "Auba is a particular player. He is an extravagant and colorful character. That is something a city like Dortmund is benefitting from," Zorc emphasized.

Stoeger seems the right man to deal with Aubameyang's character Zorc assumed as Stoeger managed to get along well with his former clubs rogue Anthony Modeste in Cologne.

While Stoeger is busy talking about Aubameyang's capacity for teamwork, Zorc is mentioning the strikers'problem with delays. "We have only one problem with him that is punctuality. This crept in last year that he often arrived too late as players are expected to be around one hour before training," Zorc revealed.

Zorc said he does not believe "that we can completely get rid of it, but we can handle it fine." Zorc noted Aubameyang was always attending full training sessions.

Stoeger's tactical changes address spear-heading Aubameyang's need for space up front as Borussia is operating further back on the pitch since Stoeger took over from Dutch Peter Bosz. Dortmund's squad (including Aubameyang) seems to feel comfortable with the changes. "The new tactical approach gives us stability and confidence," midfielder Christian Pulisic stressed.

"The spirit of the team is improving, we are happy about the turnaround," Watzke added.

The German Cup might not be Dortmund's most important issue after the team had lost contact with the league's top but to qualify for the Champions League is a must. But the prestigious duel against Bayern is said to be essential for the team's progress. A victory would support Stoeger's effort to regain stability and confidence.

"The team can beat Bayern despite their exceptional quality," Stoeger emphasized. "I am confident regarding our abilities we just need to get them to life on the pitch in Munich." The Cup competition, Stoeger said is an excellent chance to win a title.

Talking about Aubameyang Stoeger said the 28-year-old striker is an easy going character who cares about the team's values. "He is a sociable and friendly type. Everything is working well with him. We are happy with his performance, and so is he," the BVB coach commented. Enditem