BVB Will Gain Nothing From Nearly Men Tag – Michael Zorc

Borussia Dortmund will not get “an extra goal” for being named as the favourites in the upcoming clash against Bayern Munich, sporting director Michael Zorc has said.

Bundesliga leaders Dortmund would open up a seven point gap between themselves and Bayern with victory in Saturday’s Klassiker at Signal Iduna Park.

Bayern president Uli Hoeness said this week that Dortmund were favourites going into the clash, but Zorc said his side will not fall for their rivals’ mind games.

“It’s totally irrelevant what is said or not said,” Zorc said. “It [will] all be decided on the pitch. And it’s not important who is favourite. You don’t get an extra goal for that.”

In recent years, Dortmund have been unable to keep pace with Bayern in the race for the Bundesliga title, with the Bavarian side winning the last six in a row, but head into a Klassiker ahead of Bayern for the first time since April 2012.

“It [the record] won’t buy you anything,” Zorc said.”[It is] good to go into the match with confidence.”

Borussia’s unbeaten run was snapped on earlier this week thanks to a 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid in Champions League group stage action.

“We are aware we must perform better than on Tuesday,” Zorc added.

Dortmund coach Lucien Favre, who was praised by midfielder Axel Witsel for his work since joining the club, said his side must keep their focus if they are to topple Bayern.

“Bayern are Bayern,” he said. “We must be smart when attacking, we must be smart when defending. We must be focused, be smart with the ball and without the ball. Otherwise it’ll be dangerous.”