Borussia Dortmund should find a way to contain the versatile attack of Barcelona when they meet in the quarterfinals of the Champions League, coach Niko Kovac warned.
Barcelona – led by the in -form front line of Raphinha, Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski – have not lost any competition this year and still hunt a possible quadruple.
After they have already won the Supercopa de Espana, they lead Laliga before Real Madrid and their arch rivals will also be confronted in this month's Copa del Rey final.
Barca is also considered the favorites of the OPTA Supercomputer to win the Champions League with a chance of 23.1%, while they get a 78.2% chance of eliminating Dortmund prior to Wednesday's first stage in Catalonia.
Kovac, who has only won six of his 12 games that are responsible for, for example, in all competitions (two draws, four losses), is not illusions with regard to the challenge that his team will be confronted with.
“We come here as outsiders, as underdogs, but it doesn't make it easier for our opponent,” he said reporters.
“We are increasing, so I see ourselves as underdogs, but there are two games and they still have to come to Dortmund. I think we have opportunities to reach the semi -final.”
Last season's Champions League finalists of last season are eighth in the Bundesliga after their 4-1 victory over Freiburg on Saturday, with their hope to return to Europe Premier Club competition in 2025-26 in question.
They will be Nico Schlotterbeck without Center-Back, which is out for the rest of the season after a meniscus tear in his left knee. Pascal Gross will also be out because of the suspension.
“We know the attacking force we will meet tomorrow,” Kovac added. “We must be disciplined. They are extremely strong in and around the frameworks.
“They have many strengths, but every opponent has weaknesses and we want to use them. It would not be wise to say what we have planned, but we have an idea.”
Kovac added that he had not paid attention to Barca's opportunities to win every trophy offered this season.
“I can't imagine Hansi [Flick] Talks about winning the Treble, “he continued.” I know him. He comes from Swabia; He is sober and focuses on his work. We will not talk about three titles.
“We came here to win the game and if it is a good result, we will be happy to leave it.”