PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG WILL return from a club-imposed suspension for Borussia Dortmund’s crucial Champions League clash with Tottenham on Tuesday, coach Peter Bosz has confirmed.
Dortmund did not elaborate on the reasons why Aubameyang was banned, but reports suggests that the club were unhappy with him partying while on international duty and filming an unauthorised video with a freestyle footballer on their premises.
Bosz’s men lost 2-1 to promoted Stuttgart in the Bundesliga on Saturday without the striker, as extra pressure was mounted on the coach.
Dortmund go into Tuesday’s match with little hope of qualifying for the knockout phase, having accumulated just two points from four matches, leaving them five adrift of second-placed Real Madrid.
A win for Zinedine Zidane’s men against APOEL on Tuesday will confirm Dortmund’s group stage exit, but Bosz will at least feel his side’s chances for the visit of Spurs are boosted by Aubameyang’s return.
“Aubameyang plays tomorrow [Tuesday],” Bosz told reporters.
“I talked with him and also the team. He has trained with the team today [Monday], that’s why I can say that [he will play] so adamantly.”
Dortmund have been in poor form of late, winning just two of their last nine matches across all competitions, reportedly leaving Bosz in danger of getting sacked.
Bosz understands the pressure and disgruntlement among fans, however, acknowledging that it is just a part of life with a big club.
“I understand the unrest,” he said. “That’s how it has to be if you work for a big club like Dortmund - you have to win. I feel that people understand the phase which we are in.”
Midfielder Julian Weigl insists that any displeasure from the supporters has not translated to friction among the players, though.
“Of course we talk a lot about our situation,” the youngster said. ”We have intense discussions. Everyone has different views and different solutions to our problems.
“There are also guys who are close to each other, but there was no exaggerated friction or dispute.”
- Omni
The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):
