Big week for Dortmund: Bremen in Cup and then to Bayern in league

Borussia Dortmund find themselves in a crucial week of their season, confident in their defensive stability and depth in their squad. The team will host Werder Bremen in the German Cup on Tuesday and then face their fierce rivals, Bayern Munich, in the Bundesliga on Saturday. Dortmund's recent 1-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt kept them unbeaten in the league and secured their fifth clean sheet from seven matches.

Maximilian Beier scored the late winner, coming off the bench via substitute Jobe Bellingham. Although the team acknowledges they are not perfect, defender Nico Schlotterbeck expressed optimism, stating, "Next week, we're off to take on Bayern. We want to play a strong game there." The team recognizes the challenge of the German Cup before facing Bayern, but managing director Lars Ricken emphasized the importance of advancing in the domestic competition.

Dortmund boasts the best Bundesliga defence, conceding only four goals, but two of those goals came against Bremen in a 2-2 draw. Manager Niko Kovac must carefully manage the team's workload, considering their recent busy schedule, including games in the Arctic Circle and Azerbaijan. However, the squad depth at Dortmund provides reassurance, with midfielder Felix Nmecha stating, "You have so many games, and you need a strong roster."

Kovac is confident in his team's ability to handle the workload and highlighted, "We’ve got a good team; every single player is capable of playing. That’s why you need a good, large squad – and that’s what we’ve got. I’m not worried, no matter who I pick. I know the lads are pushing themselves to the limit."