Sahin urges Dortmund to be stronger

Nuri Sahin wants Borussia Dortmund to make a strong start to the new campaign as they aim for a third Bundesliga title in four seasons.

Sahin, who is enjoying a second spell with Dortmund after joining on loan from Real Madrid, played the full 90 minutes as Juergen Klopp’s men eased to a 3-0 win at Wilhelmshaven in the first round of the DFB-Pokal on Saturday.

The Turkey international re-joined Klopp’s men in January following an unsuccessful loan stint at Liverpool, but he was not able to inspire Dortmund to glory as they were beaten to the Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League crowns by Bayern Munich.

Still, Sahin was pleased with Dortmund’s displays towards the end of last term, and is hopeful they can perform to an even higher level in 2013-14.

“We’re heading very much in the right direction,” he told the Bundesliga’s official website.

“I’m looking forward to everything, to every competition.

“We hit a good run of form at the end of last season, but we need to become even more effective – conceding fewer goals and in the best case scenario, scoring more as well.”

Sahin made 18 appearances for Dortmund last term, scoring three goals.