Borussia Dortmund have no chance of winning the Bundesliga title according to sporting director Michael Zorc, who says that runaway leaders Bayern Munich "are our problem."
Dortmund have enjoyed an impressive season so far under new coach Thomas Tuchel, winning 18 of their 22 competitive games this season and losing just once -- a crushing 5-1 defeat at the Allianz Arena in early October.
Dortmund's 3-2 Revierderby win against Schalke saw Tuchel's team move clear of third-placed Wolfsburg by eight points and stay within reach of Bayern, who have won 34 points to BVB's 29.
Dortmund have only racked up more points in the first 12 games once in their Bundesliga history, with 31 during their title-winning 2010-2011 season.
But although they also trailed Bayern by five points during their run to a second consecutive title in the following campaign, Zorc says Dortmund have all but given up on stopping the Bavarians -- who have league 11 victories from 12 -- from winning a record fourth consecutive title.
When asked on Sky whether Dortmund were still in the title race following the win against Schalke, Zorc replied: "No.
"With our 29 points we'd actually top the leagues in Spain, England and Italy, but Bayern Munich don't play there.
"They win every match. That's our problem this year."
Dortmund's tally would be enough to lead the standings in England -- where Manchester City have collected 26 points after 12 games -- and also in Italy, where Fiorentina have also played 12 and are on 27 points.
Dembo's power ranking. BVB would top the league in Italy and England. Real drop to 7 Only 2 BL teams in Top 20 pic.twitter.com/77TlzhE4oM
- uersfeld (@uersfeld) November 9, 2015
La Liga leaders Barcelona have won 81.82 percent of all possible points by collecting 27 in their first 11 matches, marginally higher than Dortmund's 80.56 percent.