Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp is refusing to use his lengthy injury list as an excuse and will be looking for points and not sympathy against Marseille on Wednesday night.
The Bundesliga outfit are set to take on the French giants at the Stade Velodrome knowing that victory will ensure they reach the last 16 of the Champions League.
A draw or even a loss could be enough for the Germans, with Dortmund needing to better Napoli’s result against Arsenal to avoid a run in the Europa League next year.
The Gunners will be up for the fight in Naples, but only need a point to claim top spot in the group to give themselves a potentially easier opponent in the last 16.
Therefore Klopp’s men must try to get at least a draw against Marseille who currently have Jose Anigo in charge on a caretaker basis after the sacking of Elie Baup.
They have been hamstrung by injuries to Neven Subotic, Mats Hummels, Marcel Schmelzer, Sven Bender and Ilkay Gundogan, while Manuel Friedrich is ineligible to play in the Champions League.
It would be easy for last year’s runners-up to hide behind their current woes but, while admitting it is not a bed of roses at present, Klopp has made it clear his men are as determined as ever to stay in the competition.
“It is no situation where the sun is shining and everything runs world class,” he said. “But we want to make it to the knockout stages. And you will see it in us. You will win no pity points in Marseille.”
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