Champions League
Well on the way to old class: Lots of praise for BVB star Sancho
After initial problems, Sancho is becoming more and more of an asset in Dortmund’s previously often dreary attacking game. photo
© Bernd Thissen/dpa
A goal against Bremen, a goal against Eindhoven. Jadon Sancho refutes his critics within four days. Dortmund’s leap into the quarter-finals of the Champions League is also thanks to him.
Scolded in Manchester, celebrated in Dortmund: returnees Jadon Sancho is well on the way to the impressive form of days gone by at BVB. With his early artificial shot in the 3rd minute, the Englishman paved the way for BVB to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League in a 2-0 (1-0) win over PSV Eindhoven.
“Jadon showed his best performance today since he’s been back here. He had a big influence on our game,” enthused coach Edin Terzic. Like four days before in Bremen (2-1), Sancho took on the role of the main actor as a goalscorer. The risk of loaning the out-of-form attacker, who fell out of favor at Manchester United, during the winter break until the end of the season is increasingly paying off for the Bundesliga fourth-place team.
After initial problems, the 23-year-old dribbling artist, whom BVB sold to England for 85 million euros in the summer of 2021, is becoming more and more an asset in Dortmund’s previously often dreary attacking game. “It wasn’t long ago that we were asked what was going on with Jadon and when he would score again,” commented Terzic.
Kehl about Sancho: He enriches our game
Sebastian Kehl was also full of praise: “It was clear that Jadon would need a little time to get back into shape. Now he has rewarded himself with two goals. That helps him.” The sports director believes that a regular place for the former England international would boost his performance: “The more he plays, the better he gets. Jadon was incredibly agile and very lively today. He enriches our game.”
The joy of Sancho’s improving form was clouded by his injury, which resulted in him being substituted in the 75th minute. Although the attacker left the pitch limping, Terzic sounded rather confident: “He felt a little something in the back of his thigh. Let’s see how that develops overnight. But we hope that he stays healthy and on track.”
Terzic relieved
Thanks to the goals from Sancho and Marco Reus (90+5), there was a lot of pressure off Terzic, who has to deliver success in the Bundesliga after a mixed season so far. “My personal joy is very great, but that has nothing to do with satisfaction,” answered the football teacher when asked about his state of mind.
However, the 41-year-old made a secret of his relief. “It hasn’t been an easy time in the last few weeks. We had to take a lot of criticism. But we were now able to show what we are capable of,” said Terzic. He added with obvious pride: “It is not a given in the club’s history to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The first 30 minutes were exceptionally good, the best this season.”