Kehl speaks out

Sabitzer case: “Clear signal” from Dortmund

Is Marcel Sabitzer (left) about to retire from BVB? Sporting director Sebastian Kehl (right) spoke plainly.(Bild: AFP/APA/Ronny HARTMANN)

Dortmund's sporting director Sebastian Kehl has commented on the future of Marcel Sabitzer. The ÖFB star is said to be on the verge of leaving the Black & Yellows, but he was back in the starting eleven against Lille - a "clear sign", according to Kehl.

According to German media reports, Marcel Sabitzer is on the list to be dropped along with other players such as Emre Can, Julian Brandt, Niklas Süle and Giovanni Reyna. There is talk of a "bad energy" that Sabitzer is spreading.

"A clear sign and a clear vote of confidence from the coach"
All nonsense? At least that's how sporting director Sebastian Kehl sees it. "In the end, I think it's completely normal when you're in a situation like this that criticism always arises, that rumors arise. We don't deal with that," he said ahead of the CL second leg against Lille. Sabitzer had taken a break at the weekend against Augsburg "because he played a lot of games", said Kehl. Sabitzer was back in the starting eleven on Wednesday evening. "A clear sign and a clear vote of confidence from the coach as well," confirmed Kehl. "We need Sabi, especially in games like this, because his experience should help lead the team in games like this and hopefully lead us to victory."

With success: Dortmund also defeated Lille in the Champions League on Wednesday evening to reach the quarter-finals. Now they just have to get the ball rolling in the league.