DORTMUND (dpa-AFX) - According to coach Niko Kovac, Hoffenheim is one of Borussia Dortmund's most challenging opponents of the season so far. "They are a very serious and difficult opponent to play against. I would even go so far as to say that they are the strongest team we have played so far," said the 54-year-old ahead of Sunday's match against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim (5:30 p.m./DAZN).
Both BVB and Hoffenheim are looking to extend their winning streaks. BVB are still unbeaten at home in the league this season, but recently lost 1-0 to Leverkusen in the DFB Cup. TSG are unbeaten in six games and still unbeaten away from home in the league this season. "They're on a really good run," said Kovac, emphasizing at the same time: "Statistics are there to be erased, and that's what we have to try to do."
Süle back in team training
There is positive news on the personnel front. "It looks like everyone is healthy," said Kovac. Niklas Süle, who has been out for a long time with a toe injury, has also trained with the team again for the first time. However, the defender is not yet an option for the squad. "He hasn't trained with the team for four to five weeks. It will take a few more weeks. We can't expect someone to train once and then play immediately."/jgl/DP/men
