Jurgen Klopp: Under pressure Borussia Dortmund manager facing 'High Noon' but 'doesn't need a vote of confidence'

Dortmund boss preparing for 'High Noon' showdown with Hoffenheim

Tom Sheen
Wednesday 03 December 2014 18:24 GMT
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Klopp gesticulates to his under-performing players
Klopp gesticulates to his under-performing players (Getty Images)

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Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp is preparing for a 'High Noon' showdown with Hoffenheim on Friday, but says he does not need a vote of confidence, despite mounting pressure.

Klopp, who has been touted as a possible replacement for Arsene Wenger at Arsenal, has seen his team win just three of their 13 Bundesliga matches so far this season, leaving them rooted to the foot of the table with just 11 points so far.

In each of the last four seasons Dortmund have not finished outside of the top two, winning successive titles in 2011 and 2012 and reaching the Champions League final in 2013.

Dortmund players were even moved to pull pints for supporters at the Christmas party as a way to say sorry for their poor performance.

But speaking at a press conference, the 47-year-old insisted his players are the ones who need a vote of confidence, not him.

"I don't need a vote of confidence, I've had it a thousand times before. The team needs it now," he said.

"Friday evening is High Noon. We've got to learn not to get down about our mistakes, instead stay calm and keep playing football. I know how a relegation battle works and how a team has to think in order to get out of it.

"You don't win games 7-0 in relegation battles. You take your chances when they come to you. We have to accept mistakes."

Klopp added that he hoped his team would emerge stronger from the poor run of results.

"At some point, we'll be able to say that we grew closer together during this time. Working and dealing with problems makes you better. I have rarely had to deal with as many as I have at the moment.

"It's a little tough and we've got to be ready for that. I am!"

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