Borussia Dortmund star makes ‘disgusting’ Newcastle United claim ahead of Champions League tie

Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck expects a “tense game” when Newcastle United visit the Signal Iduna Park this evening (kick-off 5:45pm).

Schlotterbeck starred for Dortmund in their 1-0 win at St James’ Park last month after playing a major role in the build-up to Felix Nmecha’s first-half goal.

The Bundesliga outfit sit second in Group F after beating Newcastle, and Eddie Howe’s side know they’ll need to avoid defeat to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.

“I expect an intense game,” said Schlotterbeck. “Newcastle marches over 90 minutes. They try to run at every ball.

“This is particularly disgusting for us central defenders, because it can be dangerous at any moment when you pass the ball too late.

“That’s why we have to play very cleanly, be clear in our actions, use the one-two passes well and then we have chances to finish our attacks and hopefully score a lot of goals.”

Schlotterbeck then went on to praise Dortmund’s supporters for the noise they created in the gods at St James’ Park. The 23-year-old doubts Newcastle’s travelling fans will do the same. “What our fans did in Newcastle is extraordinary,” he added. “The stadium started very loud, we played a good game and then all you could really hear were the chants of our fans.

“I think the Newcastle fans won’t even be heard at our house because our fans create an incredible atmosphere. If we have this support, we will play a good game. Hopefully that will give us the final push to win the game.”