In an attempt to record their first win of the season, Arminia Bielefeld must take the hurdle of Borussia Dortmund on Saturday. With, it is hoped, the fans as the twelfth man.
Eight games, no win, only four goals scored. In some places, a coach discussion might already be in full swing. In Bielefeld, however, calm prevails. And there is confidence in Frank Kramer, who took over the team last season and led it to direct relegation. For Markus Rejek, Arminia’s commercial director, however, the glass is rather half full. “We’ve just finished the eighth matchday,” the 53-year-old emphasised this week, “we haven’t lost five times.” In view of five draws, the question of the coach does not even arise, and any discussion is “complete nonsense”. The coach is happy to hear that kind of support. “It’s good, I’m very grateful for it,” says Kramer and adds: “I also see it as an obligation to do everything I can to justify this trust.
Preferably with the first win of the season on Saturday. If it weren’t for the opponent. Borussia Dortmund will be playing at the Schüco Arena, and for Kramer this duel has the character of a cup match. The 49-year-old is counting on his own supporters to ensure a clear atmosphere in the stadium, which is sold out with 25,000 spectators, at least in the stands. “That is always a decisive factor when a supposed underdog plays against a favourite,” knows Kramer, who is happy to accept this starting position and practically announces a cup fight for BVB. “We know from this competition that something is always possible. Especially when you have the support, you feel that you are being whipped forward. When the Arminen fans show that 2700 Dortmund fans are behind in terms of volume.” The coach’s hope: “That should create an atmosphere in which you grow a little bit again and maybe create something great together. “
Ajax as a role model? – Kramer: “Everyone can learn from the best “
For three points against the second-placed team in the table, who will have to do without injured goal-scorer Erling Haaland, a lot will have to come together on Saturday. Ajax Amsterdam showed how it’s done last week when they beat Marco Rose’s team 4-0 in the Champions League. Ajax as a role model? “Everyone can learn from the best,” emphasises Kramer, who would like to adopt one thing in particular from the Dutch: courage. Because: “Like the rabbit in front of the snake, that is normally punished against such teams. “