Dortmund chief Ricken remains tight-lipped on El Mala rumours | OneFootball

After their first bid for Said El Mala fell on deaf ears, Borussia Dortmund must go back to the drawing board to assess their next approach.

When asked by the Ruhr Nachrichten how things will proceed regarding the player, Lars Ricken declined to comment: 

“He [El Mala] is a player for 1. FC Köln. I understand your question, but you know that we don't comment on any rumors.”

“Of course, there are 'many players who would fit in well with us (…) we now have a very good mix in the squad.

"From experienced players, of professionals with high resilience, and of talents who can develop further and take on responsibility. 

“It's certainly easier for new signings to break into such a team. Niko Kovac has done a very good job with that,” Ricken added.

As for Köln, great emphasis is being placed on highlighting El Mala's enthusiasm for training and there's no question of him acting defiantly. 

Nevertheless, the winger's desire to transfer is clearly evident, so that leaves the four weeks of the transfer window to find a solution.