Dortmund's New Pragmatism, "less Sexy, But Successful"

UEFA Champions League:  Gaining inside knowledge might be part of Borussia Dortmund's newly adopted self-image, coming along as a wave of pragmatism. Or as coach Edin Terzic puts it: "We might act less sexy but more successful."

Ahead of the decisive UEFA Champions League encounter against group surprise Newcastle, midfielder Julian Brandt made an investigative call to explore the mood around the Wednesday opponent.

The Dortmund midfielder spoke to the German national team's new arrival, Brighton midfielder Pascal Gross. The 32-year-old late bloomer over the past years gained experience when it comes to the strengths of the Magpies.

As Gross reports, there is reason to be fully focused for the Black and Yellows; not to mention the standings in Group F.

The upcoming games, in Newcastle and on home soil on November 7, are near a do-or-die issue for the 2012 German Champion. Not to mention the German "Classico" against Bayern on November 4.

While Dortmund is perfectly running the national league, only one point gained in the Champions League doesn't allow big dreams.

After a bumpy league start, BVB seems to have found stability by relying on a less spectacular game approach. Pragmatism is the new trend while Terzic spoke of inspiring conclusions "we gained in the last summer break."

For long, the 40-year-old stated, "We have delivered a more spectacular football but must admit, it didn't take us as far as we wanted."

While the side has gained 66 points out of its last 27 games, a top figure in Europe, silverware is ongoingly missing.

Following five consecutive league victories, Terzic claims to have found the path to securing success and called narrow wins and a clean goal the club's mantra.

Unbeaten in the league, the side needs to catch up in this season's Champions campaign. "It might be a good idea to collect some points," sporting director Sebastian Kehl stated following a goal-less draw against Milan and a 2-0 defeat in Paris.

Optimism is growing after Brandt called the group a wild one "as anything can happen due to the close standings."

27-year-old Brandt is enjoying a current high fly after securing BVB's 1-0 against Bremen in his 300th league game, which makes him the third youngest player reaching that mark in the league's history.

In the past seven games, the German international delivered three goals aside from four assists after coach Terzic added new tactical systems to his squad portfolio.

Brandt, meanwhile, disseminated the collected information among his teammates. "We will face an inspiring atmosphere in Newcastle as the vibes coming from the crowd are strong; stronger than what we know from the Citizens and Chelsea," the midfielder revealed.

No matter how cheerful the atmosphere in Newcastle will be, the Germans need to take their pragmatic approach, coming along with positive results, to the Champions League to continue their journey.