"We want to challenge those at the top": Schlotterbeck fuels BVB dream | OneFootball

After the narrow 2-1 away win in Wolfsburg, Borussia Dortmund is back in the title race. Nico Schlotterbeck is leading the way and confidently reaffirms Dortmund's ambition to challenge FC Bayern.

Borussia Dortmund is back in the title race—and Nico Schlotterbeck is leading the charge. After the hard-fought 2-1 away victory at VfL Wolfsburg, the central defender made it clear that the belief in winning the championship is firmly anchored within the team. The win temporarily reduced the gap to league leaders Munich to three points and gave Dortmund’s fighting spirit new weight.

Schlotterbeck saw the victory as proof of increased resilience. “Mentality. That’s what we’ve been accused of lacking for years,” said the 26-year-old after the match, alluding to an old Dortmund narrative. For him, it’s normal to have to suffer in such games: “When you have something to lose, you’re going to get pushed back at times.” What mattered was staying calm and playing to their own strengths.

His much-discussed championship declaration from the previous week was explicitly defended by the national player. The words were received positively within the team. “The guys noticed during the week how much I’m fired up for this,” Schlotterbeck explained.

Title Race: BVB Increases Pressure on Bayern

With regard to his role as a stand-in for the absent Emre Can, the defensive leader added: “When I say we want to lead the way, we want to challenge those at the top, then I’m setting the direction.” The team picked up on that energy—and delivered. Coach Niko Kovac also emphasized the importance of such results. Especially the close games, which can go either way, are the ones that count at the end of the season. In Wolfsburg, his team kept their nerve despite mistakes and periods of pressure, and were rewarded.

While Schlotterbeck takes an offensive approach, Julian Brandt adopts a more sober tone—without losing sight of the title. “There won’t be anyone who says they don’t believe anymore,” said the attacking player. The focus is on winning their own games and hoping “that Bayern gives us another chance.”

One thing is clear: BVB has done its homework and increased the pressure on the record champions. At the end of February, there will be a direct showdown—and Dortmund wants to be ready by then. In any case, Schlotterbeck leaves no doubt about the direction they’re heading.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.