"There can be no other goal" - Niklas Süle looks to the end of the season with confidence | OneFootball

After picking up 13 points from their last five games and leaping up to sixth place in the table, Borussia Dortmund's Niklas Süle is unequivocal in his evaluation of Saturday's upcoming game against against a VfL Wolfsburg side that have not won in seven matches (18:30) in front of a sold-out crowd of 81,365 at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK: "We have to be confident to get the three points. There can be no other goal." A recent upturn in fortunes has meant that fourth place, currently occupied by SC Freiburg, which offers a place in the UEFA Champions League, is only three points away. To make it into the Europa League spot (fifth place), BVB will have to leapfrog Leipzig, who currently lead them by one point.

Süle is hoping for a successful continuation of the climb towards Europe. "We've received a lot of criticism, but in recent weeks you can really see that we have a good team spirit," said the 29-year-old, pointing to progress. "The confidence that things are working, that the plans are coming together, that you have a good feeling when you're on the pitch. Above all, the aggression and the general mood. You can see that very clearly with us right now - whether in training or at the weekend."

Even a heavy setback like the late equaliser to make it 2-2 (90+1) last Saturday in Hoffenheim was not enough to knock Borussia off course. Süle views the 3-2 win thanks to Waldemar Anton's goal (90+5) in stoppage time as an encouraging sign for the closing straight of the season: "The most important character trait to have in our profession is to always believe in yourself. We've done that well in the last few games - and now we have to do the same for the last three games."

Süle is keen to play a leading role as BVB look to finish the season on a high. After weeks spent sitting on the bench, he made the most of the opportunity given to him by coach Niko Kovac and proved his worth for further appearances with strong performances. "It wasn't an easy time for me. But I'm not burying my head in the sand. As a professional, you have to keep your mouth shut and carry on. Things don't always go to plan." The 49-time Germany international understands the criticisms he's received in the past: "I'm a character who has always been subjected to the odd attack."

Süle says it wasn't just training that helped him to enjoy playing more. "I got help and found someone who gave me a different perspective on certain things. I was lucky enough to have a certain mindset and to understand: Hey, focus on yourself first. I've felt better since then." His self-confidence has grown with every appearance in the starting line-up: "I'm not a guy who always talks everything down. Nevertheless, I'm a player who needs a bit of confidence, who needs to have the feeling that the team believes in me: They believe in me."

His own experiences have also made him more aware of the problems faced by others. His congratulations to Julian Brandt when he scored in Hoffenheim were particularly heartfelt. "I even have goosebumps when I think about it again. That was a really nice thing for me to see, because I really appreciate him," said Süle as he looked back on the celebrations for Brandt's goal to make it 2-1. He considers the harsh criticism of the midfielder on social media to be exaggerated: "I don't think I need to tell anyone what kind of player he is or what kind of person he is. He's a great lad, an outstanding footballer who hasn't had an easy time of it in recent weeks."

Nine points from the remaining three games against Wolfsburg, Leverkusen and Kiel would ramp up the likelihood of a successful end to the season. Süle didn't hesitate in answering the question of what is still possible this season: "Champions League. Simple at that. But if we get nine points from the three games now and it's still not enough, then we'll at least try to take the momentum into the new season and the Club World Cup."