Klopp expecting tough test from Gladbach

23 February 2013 10:27

Borussia Dortmund coach Juergen Klopp expects to see an improved Borussia Moenchengladbach when they meet in the Bundesliga.

Gladbach come into the game on Sunday off the back of a 3-0 Europa League loss to Lazio but Klopp believes this is not indicative of their ability.

Dortmund will travel to the game without strikers Robert Lewandowski and Julian Schieber who are both suspended.

They currently lie second in the Bundesliga, 15 points below leaders Bayern Munich.

"To play against Gladbach is always uncomfortable, like every team coached by Lucien Favre. You need to adjust to that. They defend quite deep and want you to run into their offside trap," Klopp said.

"Their standards are extremely high, that is a real weapon. We have to avoid little fouls or situations that can lead to chances. We shouldn't give too many possibilities to Juan Arango."

Klopp said he felt Moenchengladbach's defence had improved recently, despite the fact they haven't kept a clean sheet in six matches in all competitions.

"In general I think they are more stable now. (In the Europa League) Lazio didn't have a whole lot of chances and dominated completely. Gladbach's defense was good, I think they just lacked belief but that can change very quickly," he said.

"I think Gladbach are in better form than their mid-week game suggested. They are well supported, these things can make you stronger and I think they have big plans for this Sunday and want to win.

"We need to be ready for that and at the moment we are doing all we can to prepare. Like always in football nothing is decided yet. Gladbach will be highly motivated, that goes without saying. But we are ready for them.

"It's been suggested that we need a centre forward, but that is nonsense. In every team you need a natural finisher, that is the crucial thing and why strikers are more attractive in the transfer market."