BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - National player Nico Schlotterbeck already has a plan in mind for a title chase after Bayern's surprising slip-up and BVB's commanding victory in Berlin. "If at some point it's maybe four or five points, then they'll start thinking. They still have to come to us," said the 26-year-old after the 3-0 win at Union, where he scored with a header. "They're not completely out of reach, they've pulled away a bit, but we just want to keep up."
The gap remains at eight points even after Munich's defeat to Augsburg, and everyone in Dortmund is aware that there is still a long way to go before a real title race emerges. "I don't think you want the championship to be decided in February or March," Schlotterbeck said.
BVB Shows a Response After Defeat at Tottenham
Dortmund, who consolidated their hold on second place, were greatly encouraged by their clean performance in Berlin-Köpenick. After the disastrous first half in the Champions League defeat at Tottenham, another debate about mentality was sparked at BVB, but the Dortmund side responded quickly.
"The team immediately reacted to what we didn't do in the first half in London," praised coach Niko Kovac. "We accepted the fight, ramped up the intensity and aggression, and at times played some decent football."
His team largely controlled proceedings, took their chances at the right moments, and gave away almost nothing from open play. For the tenth time this season, BVB kept a clean sheet in the league. "That's when it tastes best," said goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. Only Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain have a similarly high rate of clean sheets in Europe's top leagues.
Schlotterbeck: "Mature Football" Instead of "Kids' Football"
Football-wise, Dortmund didn't exactly set the world alight against Union either. But the Alte Försterei, especially in sub-zero temperatures, is simply the wrong place for that. "If you come here and just want to play football, it's going to be very problematic," said Kovac.
After the match at his former club, Schlotterbeck concluded: "Today was really mature football. In Tottenham, it was a bit like kids' football." Emre Can was the prime example. The captain not only coolly converted his twelfth Bundesliga penalty to put Dortmund 1-0 up, but also set the tone in terms of tackling and attitude.
"That's what it's about here in Berlin: really going into tackles with a knife between your teeth. This isn't a circus where you win with tricks alone; it's man against man," said managing director Lars Ricken.
Things got a bit too heated midway through the second half. Can received a yellow card for shoving Janik Haberer. After another incident, Kovac took him off as a precaution. "It's emotions, it happens in football, it shouldn't happen, but it just comes out," the 32-year-old told Sky.
There was no sense at BVB afterwards that the subsequent abuse from the stands had seriously affected the defensive player. "I'm always happy to see an aggressive Emre, because no one wants to play against him," said Schlotterbeck. Kobel saw it similarly: "I think he likes it."
Schlotterbeck Wants to Set a Deadline for His Decision
Even though the gap is now down to single digits, Dortmund's title chances this season remain slim. But the realistic prospect of a title will play a big role in Schlotterbeck's deliberations about his future in Dortmund.
The in-demand national player gave an update on how he is approaching the decision about possibly extending his contract at BVB, which currently runs until 2027. "I'm a gut-feeling person. I'll make a decision at some point, but I won't tell you when the deadline is."
Together with his father and brother Keven, who is also a professional footballer, he will eventually make a fundamental decision. Before the summer, as he added to Sky. Bayern are also reportedly interested in Schlotterbeck.
Ricken said: "At a time when more and more players are changing clubs faster, it would of course be an outstanding signal." Not many centre-backs become the face of a club.
Before Dortmund host bottom side Heidenheim next Sunday, the final matchday of the Champions League group stage awaits on Wednesday. Inter Milan are coming to Dortmund. Direct qualification for the round of 16 is just as unlikely as elimination, but BVB are still playing for their position in the knockout stage. "We have to stay sharp now," said Ricken./dav/DP/zb
