By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Bad memories will not be in their minds when they travel to Wembley in London this Wednesday evening to face Tottenham Hotspur in their 2017/2018 Champions League curtain raiser, says Borussia Dortmund sporting director, Michael Zorc.
While fans have not forgotten the most painful defeat four years ago, officials and players are focusing on "an exciting game against a strong and determined opponent" as Zorc told German media.
On May 25 2013, Dortmund lost the match that has gone down in football history as the "German" Champions League final. The trophy every footballer dreams was held high by the national rivals Bayern Munich after a 2-1 win. The men in yellow and black left Wembley with their heads down and tried to get over their deep disappointment. "Times have changed. Four years in football mean a lot," said Zorc.
"We talked about the feelings players might have the moment we enter Wembley. But we are convinced memories won't be hard to handle," Zorc commented. "It might sound strange, but we all have only a few memories. I think we were like in a tunnel that time. It was the game of a lifetime for many of us, it was the final," Zorc stressed.
At the time, Dortmund was the team of the hour having won the German championship in both 2011 and 2012 and the German cup. Juergen Klopp was their coach and little was expected to stop them. Klopp has left for Liverpool, as have bad memories. "We try to see the game against Tottenham as a normal game on the international stage and a new challenge," Zorc said.
Because Tottenham is currently building a new stadium at their White Hart Lane base in North London, the club has moved to Wembley for the 2017/2018 season.
Memories might still play a role when Dortmund and Tottenham cross swords in autumn 2017. The two met for the last time in the round of the last 16 of the 2017 Europe League. The Germans won both games (3-0/2-1) to progress to the quarterfinals.
But neither Zorc nor current Dortmund coach Peter Bosz sees the two games as being a pointer to what will happen this Wednesday. In 2016, Tottenham was in the middle of a battle for the Premier League title and left out many of its stars to keep them fit for the domestic title.
"We're sure we will face a different Tottenham this time," Zorc assumed. And Tottenham will meet a new Borussia Dortmund.
Striker Mario Goetze might be a good example of what have taken place since 2013 and 2016. He was unable to play in the Champions League final due to an injury. After three disappointing years at Bayern Munich, the 2014 World Champion returned to Dortmund and started what is regarded as a second career.
Goetze no longer operates on the left wing but in central midfield behind the first attacking line. Statistics prove that the new Goetze is much more efficient than the old one.
Goetze is not only taking more responsibility in Dortmund's game but is far more dangerous in front of goal. Statistics show that Goetze shoots three times more often this year than he did last season.
"Mario is extremely happy about his new role," says Dortmund's coach. The Dutchman is convinced memories, of what kind ever, will not have any effect on Goetze and the rest of his squad. "Every game is a new experience and a new challenge. And we are about to face a new experience and a new challenge against Tottenham," Bosz said.
