By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, 2 Nov (Xinhua) -- Enthusiasm meets disappointment: Starting positions couldn't be more contradictory in advance of the German classico. When Borussia Dortmund is crossing swords with national rivals Bayern Munich this Saturday evening, it is regarded to be the last chance of the Blacks and Yellows to stop the 2017 German Champion on its way to win the sixth consecutive German title.
Despite the grave disappointment, having achieved only one victory out of the last six games and a poor performance in the Champions League, the 2012 German Champion Dortmund claims to be ready to beat Bayern. "Very often we have won a duel against Bayern. If you chose a team you expect to beat Bayern in an important game, it would be us," Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke commented.
Other than the current situation, statistics indicate, Borussia is still the most challenging rival for the Bavarians. In four of the last seven games in Dortmund, Bayern couldn't score a goal. Nevertheless, a three-pointer of Dortmund would be a miracle like a result.
After its devastating 1-1 draw against Champions League underdog Apoel Nicosia and the club likely to miss the Euro League, Dortmund is aware of its great opportunity to end its crisis. "To meet Bayern now is just the perfect time. We do all to win this game," Dortmund coach Peter Bosz stressed.
To beat Bayern could be the turning point for the struggling side which has gambled away a 5-point lead in the Bundesliga within two weeks. The German classico is a final for Dortmund with Bayern being three points ahead. To be defeated would mean: Bayern will extend its lead up to six points.
While pundits such as former Dortmund defender Christoph Metzelder criticize Bosz' system of relentless pressing and speak of a crisis, both Watzke and Bosz deny that the club is facing a dangerous crisis that could well end in missing all of the clubs season goals. For many insiders, Dortmund is neglecting reality and instead are trying to whitewash the increasingly critical situation.
"There is no reason for us to go in sackcloth and ashes," Watzke stressed. Team captain Marcel Schmelzer accidentally used the word "crisis" but quickly changed telling German media his side is just in the middle of a "bad moment" but optimistic too soon be successful again.
"There is no other option than to keep on working and act as a team," Schmelzer commented.
Pundits accuse Bosz of stubbornness as simple long balls played by opponent teams killed the team's plans in a risky 4-3-3-system. Next, to Bosz's system failure star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang lacks the best shape missing a goal in the last four games. On top, Dortmund's defenders such as Sokratis and Oemer Toprak lack quality in their forwarding game and speed.
While doubts are growing in Dortmund, the Bavarian side is basking in its latest success having won all six games under new coach Jupp Heynckes. Having cleared away the parvenus of RB Leipzig in the national league and the German Cup, the 2013 Champions League winner is about to get rid of domestic rival number two. Bayern striker Arjen Robben called it a "big challenge" to meet rival Dortmund. Defender and German international Joshua Kimmich told German television the team had gained a lot of confidence and stability. "They are still a great team," coach Heynckes quoted.
Spearheading striker, Robert Lewandowski is expected to return to action while keeper Manuel Neuer and the strikers Thomas Mueller and Franck Ribery continue to be sidelined and several Bayern players suffer from minor injuries after an exhausting marathon of five games within two weeks.
While Bayern's team enjoyed a day off rumors are growing when it comes to a possible deal for a new striker. Bayern confirmed to look for a back-up for Lewandowski shortly available. German media report about Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko (AS Rome), Robin van Persie (Fenerbahce Istanbul) and Stefan Kiessling (Bayer Leverkusen).
