Kovac says Bodo artificial turf is 'no excuse' as Ryerson, Chukwuemeka return
Borussia Dortmund play at Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League on Wednesday. Coach Niko Kovac warned of a "very, very serious team," with two players back in the squad.
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Borussia Dortmund look to build on their opening Champions League win when they play at Bodo/Glimt on Wednesday (9 p.m. local time, DAZN in Germany) on the artificial turf of the Aspmyra Stadium. "Of course it's different on grass or artificial turf, but that's no excuse," coach Niko Kovac said. "All teams have to play on artificial turf when they come here." He called the Norwegian side "a very, very serious team."
Manchester City, Inter Milan and Sporting were among the teams beaten in Bodo last season. Kovac has Julian Ryerson (bruised rib) and Carney Chukwuemeka (muscle problems) back. Nico Schlotterbeck stayed in Dortmund for workload management, and captain Emre Can is out with a torn cruciate ligament.
"We have one win and want to crown the home win with tomorrow's game," Kovac said, referring to the 3-2 opening victory over Villarreal. Managing director Lars Ricken said he "clearly" sees Dortmund's chances. Dortmund visit Union Berlin in the Bundesliga on Saturday.