Reus optimistic over improved Dortmund showing

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Marco Reus is confident that the club can close the gap on rivals Bayern Munich next season.

Juergen Klopp’s side suffered a disappointing end to the campaign as they relinquished their Bundesliga title to Bayern, as well as losing in the final of the UEFA Champions League to the same opponents.

They finished a resounding 25 points behind the eventual champions in the league in 2011-12, but Reus is looking for a personal improvement to help the team keep pace next season.

“It is striking that we drew twice with Bayern but lost points to other teams,” Reus told Kicker.

“It has to be our goal to change that in 2013-14. There will not be another 25-point deficit.

“I believe I can play better, and I want to further myself.”

The 24-year-old also said he had not seen much of new signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has arrived from St Etienne in France.

He added: “I don’t really follow the French league. That’s why I did not have him on my radar.

“I have now seen a couple of his goals. He is certainly very, very fast and dangerous.”