DORTMUND (dpa-AFX) - Bayer or Bergamo? Borussia Dortmund's sporting director Sebastian Kehl has no preference for their Champions League playoff opponent. "To be honest, I don't care," said the 45-year-old. After a sluggish and once again lackluster football display in the 0-2 loss to Inter Milan, one thing is clear: If BVB wants to reach the round of 16, they will need a significant improvement. And that goes regardless of whether they face Leverkusen or the Italians. The trend in the Champions League is concerning.

First Leverkusen, then Bayern?

In their last three group stage matches, the Westphalians have picked up just one point – in a disappointing 2-2 draw against Bodö/Glimt. Dortmund carelessly squandered a good position ahead of Friday's draw at 12:00 in Nyon. BVB must now play the playoff second leg away from home.

"If you want to reach the round of 16, you have to win anywhere and against anyone," said Niko Kovac, in classic coach fashion. Facing Club Brugge or Qarabag Agdam, with the second leg in front of more than 80,000 fans at home, would surely be an easier task. If Borussia advances, the round of 16 would mean a clash with either Bayern Munich or Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Given BVB's current style of play, it's hard to imagine how the quarterfinals could be within reach. The new approach, focusing on defensive stability, is enough for an impressive record in the Bundesliga. After 19 matches, Dortmund has 42 points and is well on track for another Champions League qualification. But apparently, it's not enough against international heavyweights.

Star Players in a Slump

Borussia's wins have come against Bilbao, Copenhagen, and Villarreal – the 29th, 31st, and 35th placed teams in the final Champions League table of 36 teams. Against Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, BVB stood no chance, and versus Inter, they managed just a single big opportunity, which striker Serhou Guirassy squandered badly.

The Ruhr club currently lacks players who can make the difference internationally and decide a match on their own. Guirassy could be one of those, but he's been in a slump for weeks. "I think in that situation, you could really see he was overthinking," Kehl said of the 29-year-old's golden chance. "Last year, he would have just taken the ball and finished cold as ice."

Unlikely to See New Signings

Karim Adeyemi and Julian Brandt have also seen better days. Too often this season, creativity and moments of surprise have been missing.

On top of that, there are personnel issues. Against Inter, Kovac had only four fit outfield players available as substitutes. However, Kehl is not worried about squad depth. "The squad will look much bigger again at the weekend," said the former national team player ahead of the match against 1. FC Heidenheim (Sunday, 17:30/DAZN), and added regarding the current transfer window: "At the moment, we have no urgent need to do anything further."/the/DP/mis