Dortmund must improve, but heading in the ‘right direction’, says Sahin

Nuri Sahin is confident that Borussia Dortmund is on the right track under his leadership, but emphasized that there are still areas for improvement this season.

Dortmund make the trip to Borussia-Park this Saturday to take on Borussia Mönchengladbach, hoping to pick up the first away win of their season.

They have managed just one point from five away games in the league this season, their joint lowest return from five away games (one point in 1989-90).

Dortmund have also lost four games in a row under Jurgen Klopp for the first time since 2014, last suffering a longer run in 2006/07 (six away defeats).

Sahin's side were last held captive at home by Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich, with Jamal Musiala's strike canceling out Jamie Gittens' opener in the 85th minute.

“The willingness of the boys is very good. We still have to improve, but we are moving in the right direction,” Sahin told reporters on Thursday.

“Saturday's match is very important for us. We want to break this inconsistency and win against Gladbach.”

Us outside pic.twitter.com/2vaZzy9aSV

— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) December 3, 2024

Dortmund will be confident of ending their poor run of form away from the Westfalenstadion at the expense of Mönchengladbach given their recent record against them.

BVB have won 17 of their last 20 competitive matches against Saturday's opponents (L3), including each of the last three.

Since Mönchengladbach's promotion to the Bundesliga in 1965, Dortmund has only won more times against Stuttgart (17) than against Gladbach (16).

But Sahin's side will have to secure victory without defenders Waldemar Anton and Filippo Mane, who are both missing through injury.

The Dortmund boss welcomed midfielder Julian Brandt back to training this week, while Donyell Malen and Julian Ryerson are expected to feature this weekend.

“Filippo Mane and Waldemar Anton are definitely out. Karim Adeyemi is partially integrated,” said Sahin.

“Donyell Malen and Julian Ryerson have been a bit ill. But we assume that they can both play on Saturday.”