If Borussia Dortmund are to make a deep run in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, goalkeeper Gregor Kobel believes that the energy levels and intensity will need to go up a few notches.
The Switzerland international delivered a top performance for the Germans in their Group F opener against Fluminense FC, helping his side earn a point in a 0-0 draw at MetLife Stadium in New York New Jersey.
An aggressive approach from the Brazilians left Kobel and Co feeling flat-footed throughout, something that must be avoided in their next outing against Mamelodi Sundowns FC on Saturday.
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“It was a really tough game. I think the Brazilians were really good, really aggressive,” said Kobel to FIFA. “They played a good game. I think they played a better game than us. Who knows, maybe a little jet lag, but I think we shouldn’t have too many excuses. I think it was a performance that needs to be better in the future. But as to how the game was developing, I think we can leave with a 0-0 [result] and the point.”
The Fluminense attack, spearheaded by the superb Jhon Arias, was a nuisance all afternoon long for Dortmund, but it was the reaction from the Black and Yellow that troubled Kobel.
“[Fluminense] were just pretty aggressive,” said Kobel. “They had fast speed in their passes, they were calm on the ball. And I think we just didn’t do the things that made us strong at the end of the season. I think it was a little bit too slow. In the head, a little bit too slow. The passes were a little bit too slow.
“There was not enough movement from us, not enough options to play the ball. They were sprinting a lot and tried to press us, which would not have been a problem if we had made the runs to be open. It was more difficult than it should have been for us today. At the end of the day, that’s just effort and running.”
Despite those struggles, Kobel came through with several big saves, especially in the second half after he suffered a crunching collision with Fluminense forward Everaldo. The 27-year-old did well to recover and secure a shutout.
“It was a hard collision. I didn’t really expect it, if I’m really honest,” said Kobel. “He caught me a little bit off guard there. First of all, I was really lucky how he hit me. I think the chest was the best option for me. If he hits me anywhere else, I would have had more problems than I had.
“When I was on the ground, I thought, it’s alright, but when I was standing up, I felt a little bit dizzy and I had to go back down because I needed a little bit more time. After that, I just tried to help my team and they were some really nice saves. I’m happy that we could keep the clean sheet today.”
