Football
Stephan Uersfeld, Germany correspondent 6y

Claims of crisis at Borussia Dortmund are 'sick' - Hans-Joachim Watzke

Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has described emerging talk of a crisis at the club as "sick."

Watzke told Reviersport he had seen "a lot of very, very positive rudiments" in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt, while sporting director Michael Zorc told Bild that criticism of coach Peter Bosz was "ridiculous."

Dortmund led the Bundesliga by five points going into the international break, but a 3-2 home defeat to RB Leipzig and a draw with Eintracht Frankfurt mean they are now ahead of Bayern Munich only on goal difference.

They were also held to a draw at Apoel Nicosia in the Champions League, with relegation to the Europa League the best they can hope for in Europe this season.

Following the game at Frankfurt, in which Dortmund lost a 2-0 lead, some media outlets suggested the situation had the hallmarks of a developing crisis and criticised Bosz.

But Watzke said: "The matches against Leipzig and Frankfurt were a spectacle. That's what the audience wants to see, what pulls them into the stadium.

Hans-Joachim Watzke has hit out at reporting of the Dortmund situation.">

"The Bundesliga is exciting again, but the media makes it look like we are facing relegation.

"If you, after the Leipzig and Frankfurt matches, witnessed the BVB fans celebrating the team for the football they play, it just becomes clear there's a completely different atmosphere in the club.

"I don't have a lot of understanding for the reporting. That is sick."

Citing Dortmund's injury crisis, especially in defence, Watzke said he had nevertheless seen good things at Frankfurt.

And Zorc added: "It's an accolade if, despite our lead in the table, the coach comes under fire. It's ridiculous."

BVB defender Neven Subotic made his first competitive appearance for the club since March 2016 on Saturday.

He had dropped down the pecking order at the Westfalenstadion under former boss Thomas Tuchel because of injuries but was recalled by Bosz amid the side's current injury problems.

Subotic lined up at centre-back alongside Germany international Julian Weigl, a holding midfielder, while Spain international Marc Bartra played at right-back.

"I am always ready like the fire brigade," the fan favourite told kicker. "You only have to call me and I'll be there."

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