Kehl confident of title defence

Sebastian Kehl believes Borussia Dortmund can retain their Bundesliga crown, despite trailing leaders Bayern Munich by 11 points.

Dortmund won the double for the first time in their history last season, but have struggled in the league this term, and sit fourth ahead of Saturday’s clash with Greuther Fuerth.

But the 32-year-old is refusing to give up on his goal of lifting a third consecutive league title.

“I think the current table situation will not be the same at the end (of the season),” he told reporters at a press conference.

“There are still a lot of matches to be played, and we still have half a year in front of us.

“We will keep on believing in our ability to finish in a top position. We certainly do have the potential and therefore the season for us is far from over.”

He then went on to discuss Dortmund’s chances of reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League, with the club top of Group D on eight points after their first four games.

“So far we have been outstanding,” he said.

“(We) really (have) the best situation and the possibility to clinch everything next week in Amsterdam,” he added, referring to the match against Ajax.