What the German media are saying about Celtic vs Dortmund as Nuri Sahin owns up to key frailty

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Although Celtic have yet to play in the Scottish Premiership this weekend, Borussia Dortmund are now entirely focused on Tuesday night’s Champions League match.

The Germans were pushed hard by the unfancied Bochum on Friday night. They fell behind by two goals early on before nearly conceding a third but rallied with an impressive second-half performance to win 4-2.

It was a much-needed victory after a heavy 5-1 defeat to Stuttgart last weekend. To their credit, they showed an excellent mentality to overcome adversity and deliver a win in front of their fans.

Nonetheless, it’s clear they have problems defensively, and Celtic must look to exploit that despite Dortmund being favourites to win the match.

Nuri Sahin admits Dortmund problems ahead of Celtic

Speaking after the match, head coach Nuri Sahin didn’t shy away when asked if his defence remains a concern, stating on DAZN: “Yes, one hundred per cent. You can be outnumbered by four men, but if you don’t tackle properly, if the opponent has his back to the ball and doesn’t attack, then we have problems, and that can quickly backfire. If the third goal is scored today, we have a huge problem. Sometimes you have to suffer to learn.

“We talked about it again, then Emre Can stayed completely at number six and that solved the problem. When Bochum’s diamond formation is set up the way it is, they have a lot of players up front.”

Bhoys can cause problems in Champions League test

Sportbuzzer noted that Dortmund’s ‘vigilance will be required’ early on against Celtic, publishing comments from Emre Can that address the German’s often slow start in matches.

The midfielder said: “We have to be there from the first minute. We have to learn that. I hope we learn it. It has happened very, very often in recent years. We have to be honest about that.”

Spiegel Sport, meanwhile, think Celtic present a ‘tricky’ test for Dortmund despite the home side’s status as favourites.

NTV concluded: “BVB are not looking forward to a relaxed working week either, and not just because of their commitments against Celtic Glasgow in the Champions League and then at Union in Berlin. After this turbulent evening, the Black & Yellows once again have some work to do.”

Clearly, as last year’s finalists, Dortmund will fancy their chances against a Celtic side that has a poor track record of playing away in Europe.

If the Bhoys perform at the peak of their abilities, then opportunities can be found. At that point, it’s all about Brendan Rodgers’ attackers ruthlessly taking their chances in front of goal. Converting hard-fought chances that are few and far between is the difference-maker at the elite level.