Dortmund director says character will matter in Baku against Sabah

Borussia Dortmund are preparing for a difficult Champions League match against Sabah. The German side have failed to win any of their last three competitive games, while a packed schedule has limited their preparation time.

Club sporting director Ole Book said the match in Baku would demand character as well as physical strength, according to reports citing the SID news agency and Sport1. “In Azerbaijan, it will also come down to determination,” Book said. He stressed that the team must show it can learn from its recent setbacks.

Three games without a win

Niko Kovac’s side drew 2-2 with Werder Bremen, lost 1-0 to Norway’s Bodo/Glimt and drew 0-0 with Union Berlin. Defender Waldemar Anton described the winless run as a test the team must overcome.

Borussia Dortmund will play their third away match in seven days. After trips to Norway and Berlin, the team faces a long flight to Baku. Club official Lars Ricken said a stopover on the way to Azerbaijan might be necessary because of the aircraft’s technical specifications. He also stressed that fatigue and travel difficulties must not become excuses.

Sabah unbeaten at home

Greek player Konstantinos Karetsas injured his ankle in the match against Union, and his availability for the upcoming game is uncertain. Sabah have won all five of their home matches in this season’s Champions League. The Azerbaijani club beat Prague’s Slavia 2-0 in the second round of the league phase.

Sabah will host Borussia Dortmund in Baku on October 20, with kickoff scheduled for 20:45.