Former Ghana international Ibrahim Tanko (47) has expressed belief that it will be hard for his former team Borussia Dortmund to clinch this season’s Champions League title, pointing to the quality of teams in contention.
After their narrow 1-0 win over Austrian Sturm Graz, Dortmund will face Dinamo Zagreb at Maksimir Stadium on Wednesday.
The Croatian side remains unbeaten in their last four matches but has struggled historically against German teams, with just three wins and three draws in their last 19 encounters.
Tanko, a member of Dortmund’s 1997 Champions League-winning squad, shared his thoughts on their chances of ending a 27-year European title drought.
“You can never say never but it is going to be tough when you look at the calibre of team playing in the competition this season especially a team like Real Madrid,” Tanko told Flashscore.
“We have a very young team and maybe if they are kept together and maybe as from next season or more, they stand a chance to compete for the title.
“The manager is new and the team is very young – some of them have not played in the Champions League before.
“I don’t see them winning the Champions League this season because they need of lot of experience to do that and the other teams are stronger.”
Dortmund have won three of their four matches so far, with their only loss coming against Real Madrid in October.