Julien duranville

UEFA Champions League: Borussia Dortmund find themselves in a peculiar position, balancing between contrasting fortunes ahead of their crucial UEFA Champions League 2024-25 clash against Real Madrid. While their European campaign got off to a flying start, with a 3-0 win over Club Brugge and a stunning 7-1 thrashing of Celtic, their domestic form has been a cause for concern. The 2024 Champions League finalists are enduring their worst Bundesliga start in a decade, creating a tense atmosphere for head coach Nuri Sahin, who now faces mounting pressure.

Sahin, the 36-year-old former Dortmund player and Turkey international, has been under scrutiny from regional media, who pointed out tactical shortcomings and speculated about possible mental struggles within the squad.

However, Sahin has rejected the notion of mental issues, insisting that such high-level performances cannot be achieved with a "wavering mind."