'Nerves make you sharper': Dortmund keeper Kobel eager for Bayern clash
Still stinging from a heartbreaking Champions League knockout, Borussia Dortmund shot-stopper Gregor Kobel believes the high-pressure encounter with Bayern Munich this Saturday could ignite his team and rescue their campaign.
Following a 2-0 victory in the opening leg, the 2024 Champions League finalists seemed destined for the knockout rounds, yet Dortmund collapsed during their midweek trip to Bergamo, exiting Europe via a disastrous 4-1 loss.
In an interview with AFP and fellow outlets just after getting back from Italy on Thursday, Kobel suggested that facing Bayern might just be the remedy for his battered squad.
"It's clearly a difficult spot. It is not always straightforward to put into action, but you must press on and concentrate on the upcoming match," Kobel remarked.
"As athletes, it is vital that we stay tuned to our responsibilities. Todays session, tomorrows drills, and building positive vibes within the group to deliver an entertaining performance on Saturday."
Matching Bayern's record of only one Bundesliga defeat this term, Dortmund sit eight points behind Vincent Kompany's pacesetters.
Securing a victory for Dortmund would not catapult them into title contention overnight, but it would narrow the gap as the campaign nears its climax, particularly since Bayern juggle European and domestic cup duties.
While certain teammates might seek ways to ignore the tension, the 28-year-old Kobel embraces the pre-match jitters.
"I quite enjoy sensing those nerves to some extent. They energise you. In my view, they heighten your focus," he explained.
"Many attempt to resist them or suppress the sensation, which can lead to issues.
"I believe there are real gains to be had from embracing it. I feel assured whenever a touch of that sensation arises. I realise it will make me more alert."
Mistakes are inevitable in football
Versus Atalanta, Karim Adeyemi's brilliant strike pulled Dortmund even in the aggregate with quarter of an hour remaining, but a errant pass from Kobel right at the end of added time triggered chaos.
That error prompted Ramy Bensebaini to give away a stoppage-time spot-kick after his boot studs clipped Nikola Krstovic's face during a clearance attempt on a delivery into the box.
Kobel promptly expressed regret to his colleagues for the blunder and urged the team to stage "an impressive display at home versus Bayern".
Financially robust and frequent European participants, Dortmund crave tangible success, as Kobel conceded.
"We must claim victories. Should we secure a trophy once more, the landscape could shift dramatically in no time."
Joining a month after Dortmund's previous German Cup triumph in 2021, Kobel has narrowly missed out on silverware with the club.
The Swiss custodian featured when Dortmund held lowly Mainz to a draw on the last day of the 2022-23 season, enabling Bayern to snatch the Bundesliga crown via superior goal difference.
Twelve months on, Kobel observed from the bench as Dortmund controlled the first 70 minutes of the Champions League decider, just to concede twice late against Real Madrid, who claimed the trophy for a history-making 15th occasion.
No matter the outcome this Saturday, Niko Kovac's Dortmund are charting a positive course once again.
The eight-time Bundesliga winners are merely three points shy of their record haul at this point in a campaign.
Yet, as usual, Bayern remain formidable. Limited to three stalemates and a single reverse, Bayern have surrendered fewer points than any outfit in Europes elite five divisions so far.
"Observing Bayern this year, their achievements and style of play, they form a remarkable outfit. They dominate matches with substantial margins," Kobel noted.
"Our approach is to centre on ourselves, endeavour to enhance as a unit, strive for improvement, and challenge them.
"We work daily towards that ambition. Setbacks are undoubtedly inherent to the sport."