DFB Cup: Hasenhüttl defends Sahin: “Will prevail there”

Before the DFB Cup game against Borussia Dortmund, Wolfsburg coach Ralph Hasenhüttl defended his BVB colleague Nuri Sahin, who was under pressure. “I think he has a lot to become a good coach: he has the hunger, he was a great player,” said Hasenhüttl at his press conference for this game (Tuesday, 8:45 p.m./ARD and Sky).

Sahin’s advantage is that he was only able to experience the difficult job in Dortmund as an assistant coach. Then it’s always a little easier,” said Hasenhüttl. “Because when you’re standing at the top of the peak, the wind blows a little stiffer in your face. You have to be able to deal with that first. But it’s nothing you can’t learn. That’s why I believe he will prevail there.”

Four away defeats in a row

Before the cup game in Wolfsburg, Dortmund recently experienced two painful defeats in the Bundesliga (1:2 at FC Augsburg) and in the Champions League (2:5 at Real Madrid). BVB has recently lost four competitive games in a row away from home.

“You saw at Dortmund: new coach, new philosophy, some new players, a few injury problems. There are always several points that lead to you not being consistent in your performance,” said Hasenhüttl. “And if the results are not there, then the calculations are done very quickly and the circumstances are not questioned. That’s just how it is in our business. But I think Nuri has no problem with that. When you take on a job like this, you know very well what comes with it.”