Borussia Dortmund will have to secure their Champions League place through the play-offs after missing out on a direct top-eight spot in the new format.
TV analyst Dietmar Hamann described BVB’s overall campaign as “decent,” but he pointed to striker Serhou Guirassy as a player who urgently needs to raise his level.
Following Dortmund’s 0-2 defeat to Inter Milan, Hamann cautioned against overreacting, explaining that the setback came against a very experienced side and that Dortmund’s chances had already been damaged by earlier results, including the game against Tottenham.
Hamann focused on Guirassy’s form, noting the contrast between last season, when he was Dortmund’s top scorer in Europe, and this year, where he has only three Champions League goals. He suggested the downturn is “probably a matter of the mind” and expressed hope that the forward can “switch on soon.”
Hamann stressed that in tight knockout-level matches, strikers must be clinical with the few chances they get. Coach Nico Kovac also accepts responsibility for helping Guirassy rediscover his confidence.
With a demanding two-legged tie against Atalanta on the horizon, Dortmund know they need their number nine back to his decisive best to keep their Champions League ambitions alive.
