KLOPP BACKS MKHITARYAN TO REGAIN SCORING TOUCH
15:01, 11 Dec 2014
On a day of comebacks Borussia Dortmund ensured they finished top
of Group D in the UEFA Champions League and are now eagerly awaiting
the draw for the last 16 which takes place in Nyon, Switzerland, on
Monday. Before that, however, there is the small matter of a match
in Berlin. In the hunt for Bundesliga points, Jurgen Klopp has seen
more than just good preparations.
He was “very happy with large parts of the game”, the coach said as
part of his post-match analysis. The only criticism he had for his
team, and which has been a problem for several weeks now, is their
inability to convert their chances. Only one goal was scored from
eleven chances.
After a subdued first half in which Dortmund created three chances and
the visitors had two golden opportunities to put the ball in the back
of the net, a BVB side which contained six changes came out for the
first 25 minutes of the second half like a freight train. They took
the lead during this period with a strong move by Ciro Immobile, who
delayed his shot to wrongfoot Deschacht and slot home. They failed,
however, to add to their lead. Henrikh Mkhitaryan in particular held
his hands to his head. The Armenian did so many things right and was at
times outstanding but lacked that little bit of luck in front of goal.
“I’m completely satisfied with his performance,” said the coach,
adding: “Miki is an incredibly important player for us. It’s through
his play that he ends up in situations where he can score goals. It’s
just not quite coming off for him right now.” Klopp is advising his
highly talented but sensitive player to “stay cool and not alter his
game. There’ll come a day when he’ll score not just once but two or
three times.”