“Everyone has to put in the extra effort” – Emre Can on Borussia Dortmund’s defensive performance | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund squandered a 2-0 lead against VfB Stuttgart before retaking the lead and then conceding 90+1’ equaliser against the Swabian club, losing ground to Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich.

Speaking ahead of Dortmund’s UEFA Champions League clash against Villarreal, Emre Can was questioned on BVB’s defensive performance.

“We have to be there in the final minutes,” said the BVB captain. “Sure, we’re tired, but everyone has to put in the extra effort, even if it hurts.

“It’s not a question of wanting to. I hope we’ll do better in the future.”

Dortmund have been commended for their defensive performances this season, but conceding late against VfB has questioned their mentality. In the Champions League, only Union Saint-Gilloise, Copenhagen and Ajax have conceded more goals than BVB in the current league phase.

Can played successive games for the first time this season after recovering from an adductor injury. Speaking on his fitness, the 31-year-old added: “I’m not at 100 percent yet. When you’re injured for so long, it takes a few weeks to get back to 100 percent.”

Dortmund’s captain is expected to start alongside Waldemar Anton and Nico Schlotterbeck, but he’s happy to play wherever. “I really love playing defensively,” added Can.

“I like the position because I have the whole field in front of me. The position suits me well.

“I feel very, very comfortable there at the moment. But if the coach puts me in the number six position, I’ll give it my all there too.”

GGFN | Daniel Pinder