Dortmund desperately waiting for the return of Marco Reus
Xinhua,February 09, 2018 Adjust font size:
By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- Things aren't going according to plan at Borussia Dortmund. Marco Reus and his struggling side are hoping for a turnaround.
After a 259-day absence due to a torn cruciate ligament, the gifted striker seems ready to return to action in a Bundesliga game this Saturday against Hamburger SV.
Reus has filled the books of German football with all sorts of unfortunate stories, having missed major international tournaments for Germany and decisive games for Dortmund. Now he is the man who carries all Dortmund's hopes on his shoulders as the side is facing a tight race for a Champions League spot.
German national coach Joachim Loew would also be hoping for a bright return. In the last month, the 57-year-old 2014 World Cup winning coach did not miss an opportunity to mention Reus' value for the German team at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
"Marco is one of the rare figures in football that can make the difference in a game," Loew commented.
Like Loew, Dortmund's coach Peter Stoeger will always emphasize Reus's value to his side. Stoeger praises Reus' game-changing abilities.
Although he is fond of Reus, Stoeger is determined not to let expectations grow too high. The 51-year-old mentioned Reus' extremely long injury break of over eight months. "We should give him all the time he needs to get back and find his way. He has never been off duty that long before," Stoeger said.
Reus is not expected to solve all of the side's problems as he is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Dortmund's coach mentioned Reus' outstanding performance in the club' s latest training sessions. "He does not need to carry a rucksack full of heavy expectations," Stoeger added.
Despite the fact that the coach is managing expectations, they couldn't be higher. "We all can't wait for him to return..." Dortmund sports director Michael Zorc told media. He said Dortmund-born Reus is an important figure in the Dortmund squad and one of the team's leaders.
Reus seems to know about the enormous expectations around him. The 2012 German Footballer of the year talks about his growing impatience and his future goals. "I can't [let it] slow me down, looking at what lies ahead of us. Talking about the team's effort to qualify for the Champions League and the World Cup, I have to be around to present myself. I don't see any reason to slow down," Reus told the football magazine Kicker.
Next to Reus, Germany's 2014 World Cup hero Mario Gotze is expected to return for the weekend's 22nd round of Bundesliga matches. Reus and Gotze are ideal suppliers for Dortmund's new arrival Michy Batshuayi.
It has been well over a year since Reus and Gotze played together for Dortmund.
"I feel well and I am full of energy," Reus said. He mentioned he has been through hard times and is desperate to finish the season without any new injuries.
Meanwhile, Dortmund officials announced that they will to try to extend Reus's contract as soon as possible. Zorc said Reus is the most crucial issue for the club. Enditem