Borussia Dortmund head coach Nuri Sahin believes his side will need more than a strong mentality to overcome the tough challenge of facing Real Madrid on Tuesday, Soccernet.football reports.
Dortmund, managed by Edin Terzic at the time, faced Madrid last season in the Champions League final. Los Blancos ran out as 2-0 winners thanks to second-half goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinícius Junior.
Now in charge of the Bundesliga side, Sahin is well aware of the daunting task that awaits them in the Spanish capital.
“Mentality only is not enough to survive against Real Madrid, especially in this stadium, against the champions of this competition,” Sahin told a press conference on Monday ahead of the Champions League clash as per SuperSports.
“We need everything [on Tuesday]. We need a lot of quality, a lot of self-confidence, mentality of course and also, as we say in Germany, game luck.
“The game has to go our way, so only mentality will not be enough – but of course without mentality we have absolutely no chance here.”
Sahin, who represented both clubs during his playing days, will visit the Bernabeu for the first time as a coach following his appointment last summer.
“[Being back] means a lot to me because it was always my dream to play one day for Real Madrid. My son was born in this beautiful city, and I have him with me [here],” Sahin said.
“Now I have the privilege to be on the sidelines with my childhood club against one of my biggest dreams, so it means a lot to me.
“Even if it was not that long that I played for Real Madrid, it will always remain special for me. Not only for footballing reasons but also family-wise, it’s a fantastic thing to be here.”
Dortmund lead the way on the current Champions League standings with six points from a possible six. They maintain their place on top thanks to their massive goal difference.
“It’s only possible [to continue this way] as a collective against this team,” Sahin added.
“The lads know what we have planned. We want to be brave and build on the last two games in the Champions League.”