Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp has admitted his side are currently in a relegation fight ahead of Saturday’s trip to take on fellow strugglers Hertha Berlin.
Dortmund have had a terrible start to the season and were bottom of the table before last week’s important 1-0 win over Hoffenheim. Their progress in Europe has been in contrast to their Bundesliga form as they qualified top of their group in the Champions League after the midweek draw against Anderlecht.
Klopp’s focus, however, is now back firmly on domestic matters and he will hope his side can make it back-to-back league victories when they go to Olympiastadion Berlin to take on Hertha on Saturday.
The experienced coach continues to be linked with other clubs after previous successes at the Westfalenstadion but he admits moving clear of the drop-zone in Germany is his priority.
He said: “We’re in a relegation battle and we’ve faced up to this situation and feel we have a chance to take a big step here [against Hertha].”
Klopp has also confirmed that back-up goalkeeper Mitchell Langerak will continue as his first-choice ahead of the previous established number one Roman Weidenfeller for the remainder of 2014 at least.
“If nothing happens, Mitch will play the three games we’ve got this week,” Klopp added.
“I had a very good talk with Roman Weidenfeller and we discussed the season so far and why I made my decision. Roman has already started to fight. In the new year, everything will start from scratch again and I’m very, very open about it.”
Dortmund are favourites to come out on top against Hertha at 1.60, with the home side 5.70 and the draw is 3.71.
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