Sami Khedira has reflected on the task facing Real Madrid if they want to qualify for the knockout stage of the Champions League.
Jose Mourinho’s side have already beaten Manchester City and Ajax and are preparing this week for a trip away to German champions Borussia.
For midfielder Khedira, who is tipped to start on Wednesday back in his home country, the group consists of three major barriers to progressing, not just the one.
“I think that Dortmund is a great team, but so is Manchester City. They made it very difficult for us in the first game, and we only won in the last minute,” reflected Khedira to Bwin.com.
“I believe that the three teams—including Ajax, even though they are not as highly ranked—are great teams. That’s why we can’t say that we should only focus on Borussia.
“But if we win in Dortmund, it’s clear that we will have taken a big step towards classification as first in the group.”
Khedira joined Real Madrid from the Bundesliga and is familiar with this week’s opponents Dortmund.
“They are a compact team, a block. They play at a great pace for the 90 minutes and are very disciplined tactically.
“Also, despite being a team without much experience in the Champions League, they have a lot of quality, especially with offence. I think Dortmund have a very good team.
“I know the atmosphere at their ground from my time in Stuttgart, when we played there. It’s a special time, because the atmosphere is unique in Germany.
“And playing in Signal Iduna Park is always nice, because it has a special atmosphere, an atmosphere of champions.”
The player was asked what it would mean to him to score this week.
“I always want to, but I don’t think it’s so easy. Last year I was lucky enough to have the experience of scoring a goal in the Champions, and of course I would be thrilled to be able to score a winning goal. And if it is in Dortmund, in Germany, that’s even better.”
Khedira also had comment for teammate at club and international level, Mesut Ozil, who has struggled for consistency so far this term.
“He is one of the best players in the world now. His position is among the best. He could still improve in certain aspects. He knows it, and I also tell him that sincerely as a friend.
“But I think that, with the quality he has, he is among the best in the world.”
The 25-year-old also reflected on how he is settled into life in Madrid now.
“I like it a lot. Naturally, it is different than Germany. But here the weather is better and it allows you to do more things outside in your free time.
“You can walk around the city a lot, get together with friends and that’s why I feel very comfortable in Madrid.”
