Klopp confident despite transfers

Borussia Dortmund coach Juergen Klopp has declared his side will be improve on last season, when they begin their Bundesliga title defence.

Klopp led Dortmund to their first title in nine years in April, and despite the departure of key players such as Turkey midfielder Nuri Sahin to Real Madrid and Brazilian left-back Dede, Klopp believes they will begin the new campaign in top shape.

“Dede is in Brazil now. I don’t know what is going to happen next and what he is doing – we lost a valuable player and team member,” Klopp said.

“We have traded all the young guys but I dare to claim that we are personally stronger than last season.”

“The pressure situation within the team is bigger. It is important we trust the team and I am sure we need all the players.”

Dortmund have added Croatia midfielder Ivan Perisic from Club Brugge, with German prospects Ilkay Gundogan, Moritz Leitner and Chris Lowe also bolstering Klopp’s stocks, and the 44-year-old feels their addition will be vital.

“I am glad that we have made good transfers,” he said.

“The new players have to fit in, but that won’t last long. I had a little team induction this morning, and on Sunday the internationals will return and then the pre-season training will start.”

“We have planned a lot for the next season. I have heard often that a season like the last won’t happen again.”

“I hope the relationships within the team become tighter, they are very good now. It is very important that we maintain the quality from the last season and keep it.”

“We have to improve and pull strength out of our quality. We have to face the tasks, these were harder to manage than last season.”