DORTMUND, Germany, Feb 27, (V7N) – Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel said Friday that Bayern Munich’s visit could provide the spark his side need to recover from their Champions League exit.  

Dortmund, who won the first leg 2-0, crashed out midweek after a 4-1 defeat to Atalanta in Bergamo. Kobel admitted the setback was painful but insisted the Bayern clash may be the tonic for a wounded team.  

“Obviously it’s a tough situation. Sometimes it’s easier said than done, but you just have to keep going and focus on the next game,” Kobel told AFP and other media.  

Like Bayern, Dortmund have lost only once in the Bundesliga this season, but they trail leaders by eight points. A win would not make them title favourites but could narrow the gap as the campaign enters its final stretch.  

Kobel, who apologised for a late mistake against Atalanta, said nerves ahead of big games sharpen his focus. “I’m a big fan of feeling the nerves a little bit. It gets you going. It makes you sharper in my experience,” he said.  

The Swiss international acknowledged Dortmund’s need for silverware, recalling near misses in the Bundesliga and Champions League finals. “We have to win. If we win something again, then everything can change really quickly,” he said.  

Despite the setback, Kobel praised Bayern’s form this season, noting their dominance in Europe’s top leagues. “What we can do is focus on us, try to improve as a team, try to get better and compete with them,” he said.  

END/WSP/RH