English Woman's Journal - 'Not here for fun,' says Dortmund's Terzic ahead of Eindhoven clash

'Not here for fun,' says Dortmund's Terzic ahead of Eindhoven clash


'Not here for fun,' says Dortmund's Terzic ahead of Eindhoven clash
'Not here for fun,' says Dortmund's Terzic ahead of Eindhoven clash / Photo: JOHN THYS - AFP

Borussia Dortmund mean business in the Champions League, coach Edin Terzic said Monday ahead of their last 16 encounter with PSV Eindhoven.

Change text size:

"We're not here to have fun, we want to progress," said Terzic at the pre-match press conference in Eindhoven, adding that he was "very optimistic" forward Donyell Malen would make his return from injury on Tuesday.

Progression against an opponent from outside the top-five leagues is a must for Terzic, who narrowly escaped the sack during a Dortmund crisis meeting in December.

But Dortmund are having a difficult domestic campaign.

Having lost last season's title on goal difference on the final day of the season, Dortmund are fourth, 17 points behind leaders Leverkusen and clinging to the last Champions League qualifying place by a point.

PSV on the other hand are unbeaten in the Eredivisie, dropping just four points in 22 games under former Dortmund manager Peter Bosz.

Terzic said his side "have huge respect for PSV, they are incredibly self-confident."

In Europe, Dortmund have impressed, topping a Champions League group that contained Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and Newcastle.

Malen, who missed the weekend's game, joined PSV to Dortmund in 2021.

It will be a night of reunions as Bosz faces the club that gave him less than half a season before sacking him in 2017.

"It was a fairly short period and was more than six years ago. I have to dig deep into my memory," he said.

Bosz, who had a two-and-a-half year stint at Bayer Leverkusen after leaving the Westfalenstadion, said most of the players he coached at Dortmund were no longer around.

"I'm most looking forward to seeing the people who are still there, like Marco Reus, but especially Julian Brandt - I know him from Leverkusen.

"He's a really good player. I'm happy to see him again. I hope he doesn't play against us."

P.Mitchell--EWJ

Featured

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Virginia overwhelms Arkansas 91-72 behind balanced scoring

WASHINGTON (AP) — Thijs De Ridder scored 16 points, one of five players in double figures for No. 9 Virginia as the Cavaliers routed No.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

Change text size: