Borussia Dortmund head coach Edin Terzic has warned against reading too much into the two sides’ domestic form as his top-flight Bundesliga side prepare to host Chelsea in the Champions League last 16.
BVB are third in a tight battle in Germany’s top flight, sitting three points behind leaders Bayern Munich on 43 points, with Union Berlin in second two points ahead of Terzic’s men.
Dortmund have won six straight games in all competitions and could be seen as favorites when they welcome Graham Potter’s 10th-placed Blues to Signal Iduna Park, but Terzic does not believe Chelsea’s lukewarm form – with just one win in their last seven Parks. competitions – that is an accurate indicator of their threat.
He told the club’s website: “In this competition, what has happened in the league in recent weeks is not the same. It’s back to square one. We are trying to test ourselves at a high level across both games. We want to prepare for that in the best possible way and put in a very good performance.”
Prolific 18-year-old striker Youssoufa Moukoko, who has scored six goals and provided four assists for Dortmund so far this Bundesliga season, will be unavailable for Terzic on Saturday after the Germany international tore an ankle ligament to keep it will keep it out. of activity for six weeks.
Meanwhile England international Jude Bellingham – a rumored transfer target for Chelsea – will be looking to add to his four goals in five Champions League games.
Dortmund have played 36 games against English opposition in Europe but this is their first meeting with Chelsea.
Terzic is expecting the unexpected home setback from Graham Potter’s Blues, especially after their busy transfer window that saw eight new signings at Stamford Bridge.
He said: “It’s not easy to analyze the whole thing. Players have resigned and key players have been brought in. You never know exactly what program they will do here.
“As always, we will focus on ourselves. We will prepare for everything.”
Dortmund have progressed four times since the introduction of the round of 16, most recently against Sevilla in 2020-21, and their manager has recognized the importance of an intimidating home atmosphere – with more than 80,000 expected to attend on Signal Iduna. Park, 77,000 of them supporting the home side.
He added: “We know we will need at least one win to qualify for the next round. It’s a little easier to generate euphoria here at home, in front of more than 80,000.
“I think the boys believe not only that they will reach the next round, but that they are working hard for it. If we continue to consolidate the things that have worked well, we have a good chance of making progress.”