Klopp holding high expectations

Borussia Dortmund coach Juergen Klopp is expecting a strong showing from his team when they kick-off their Bundesliga defence on Friday.

The reigning champions start their season at home to Werder Bremen.

Klopp will be hoping for an improved performance from his side after the disappointment of losing 2-1 to Bayern Munich in the DFB Super Cup.

“The fans will be able to see that the team is playing with the same heart and the same passion for the cause”, Klopp said.

“We want to show that we can defend well in the early stages.”

Klopp’s preparations for the season-opener may be hampered by the loss of a number of key players to injury, however.

Right-back Lukasz Piszczek failed to train on Wednesday with a thigh strain and may also miss tomorrow’s session.

Star midfielder Mario Goetze is unlikely to feature from the start due to an eye infection, which also consigned him to a place on the bench against Bayern Munich.