BERLIN: Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder Julian Brandt says he hopes his side’s 2-1 midweek win over Borussia Moenchengladbach in the German Cup will mark a turning point in the season.
While some had the black and yellows as favourite to win the Bundesliga after an aggressive off-season recruitment effort, Dortmund sit in fifth place after nine rounds, with four wins, four draws and a loss.
New recruit Brandt scored two goals in three minutes in the second half of the German Cup tie, a welcome return to form for a player who had scored only once in 12 appearances for Dortmund prior to Wednesday night.
With pressure mounting on coach Lucien Favre, and a mounting injury list, Brandt said the win was just the tonic Dortmund needed.
“These games, these difficult games, give you a lot of confidence,” said Brandt.
“We are a young team, and we definitely have a lot to learn. We don’t do everything right, but if you can manage to win despite these difficulties, it’s like a balm for the soul.
“And if you win, the pressure will of course subside.”
Brandt himself had come in for stinging criticism after his performance in the Champions League against Inter Milan the previous week.
Former Dortmund forward and captain Michael Rummenigge criticised Brandt’s attitude and commitment in the loss to their major group rivals. – AFP
