Dortmund Have No Time to Lament Chelsea Defeat as Ruhr Derby Awaits

06 March 2023, United Kingdom, London: Dortmund coach Edin Terzic attends a press conference at Stamford Bridge ahead of Tuesday's UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg match against Chelsea. (dpa)
06 March 2023, United Kingdom, London: Dortmund coach Edin Terzic attends a press conference at Stamford Bridge ahead of Tuesday's UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg match against Chelsea. (dpa)
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Dortmund Have No Time to Lament Chelsea Defeat as Ruhr Derby Awaits

06 March 2023, United Kingdom, London: Dortmund coach Edin Terzic attends a press conference at Stamford Bridge ahead of Tuesday's UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg match against Chelsea. (dpa)
06 March 2023, United Kingdom, London: Dortmund coach Edin Terzic attends a press conference at Stamford Bridge ahead of Tuesday's UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg match against Chelsea. (dpa)

Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic gave his players a night to digest their Champions League Round of 16 exit to Chelsea on Tuesday before picking themselves up for their Ruhr valley derby against bitter rivals Schalke 04 on Saturday.

Dortmund, who were on a 10-game winning run in all competitions in 2023 prior to Tuesday, lost 2-0 at Chelsea and were eliminated. They won 1-0 win in Germany in the first leg.

With the club joint top in the Bundesliga on 49 points with Bayern Munich, but in second place on goal difference, Terzic said there was no time to bewail the defeat to Chelsea for too long.

"We know we were in a good form (coming to Chelsea). But confidence and good form won't be enough," Terzic told reporters.

"Our season started in July and we said we want a good run in all three competitions. We dropped out of the Champions League against Chelsea. It is not something you have to feel ashamed for."

Apart from their fine Bundesliga run where they hunt their first league crown in 11 years, Dortmund are also through to the German Cup last eight where they face RB Leipzig in April.

"But don't get me wrong. Tonight we are really disappointed," Terzic said. "But tomorrow morning we are going to stand up, recover and go for the next one. It is a big derby for us on Saturday."

Few Dortmund fans would remember the Chelsea exit if there was silverware at the end of the season for their club, even fewer would if that included victory at local rivals Schalke over the weekend.

The Royal Blues are back after a season in the second division and after a disappointing start they have turned their season around in recent weeks.

Schalke are unbeaten in their last six league matches, having won the last two, and have climbed off last place to 19 points and into 17th place, level on points with Hoffenheim and VfB Stuttgart in 16th and 15th respectively.

They have also conceded just one goal in the six matches.

"At the end of May we will see what we deserve," Terzic said. "This is what we want to do. We don't want anything for granted but we will see at the end of May."



Verstappen Refuses to Be Drawn on Future ahead of British GP

Red Bull's Max Verstappen gave little away when quizzed about his future. Andrej ISAKOVIC / AFP
Red Bull's Max Verstappen gave little away when quizzed about his future. Andrej ISAKOVIC / AFP
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Verstappen Refuses to Be Drawn on Future ahead of British GP

Red Bull's Max Verstappen gave little away when quizzed about his future. Andrej ISAKOVIC / AFP
Red Bull's Max Verstappen gave little away when quizzed about his future. Andrej ISAKOVIC / AFP

Max Verstappen on Thursday refused to be drawn on questions about discussions with Mercedes and exit clauses in his Red Bull contract when he spoke to reporters ahead of this weekend's British Grand Prix.

Facing a succession of questions about his future, following reports in Italy that he had agreed to join Mercedes next year, the Dutchman was polite, but evasive in his answers, stressing that for him it would be ideal to complete his career with one team –- Red Bull.

"I am happy where I am," he said. "There are always rumors, but only one who decides and that is me and the team. I control my own destiny and I am happy and in control of where I'm at."

Sky Sport Italia on Wednesday reported that he had agreed to join Mercedes, sparking speculation that he was set to replace arch-rival George Russell, but the Briton earlier stated he was confident of keeping his seat.

He said he expected to confirm his new contract with Mercedes -- the team believed to be best prepared for the regulation changes next year -- within a few weeks.

"I've nothing to add to last week," said Verstappen. "Of course, other people write stuff and that's great but it's not me... Happy with my team? In life, you can always see other things and think, as they say, the grass is greener on the other side.

"But I think it is best to stay calm and up to now we have had success except for some time this season and this can happen and you have to accept it.

"I know what I have and what we can do and that's fine, but, to be honest, I have nothing to add to last week. I am focused on the team and to improve."

One-team man

Asked if he felt he needed to be in the fastest car to win races and titles, Verstappen said it is "difficult in F1 to be in the fastest car... Who would know that two years ago who will be fastest?

"I don't focus much on it, I just try to improve my own situation and where we want to be next year. If you chase the fastest car now it may not be the fastest car next year. Sometimes you can luck in and then win four, or five or six titles..."

The 27-year-old shared that being a one-team man was an interesting prospect for him, while stating that he had never been tempted to leave Austrian constructor Red Bull.

"I'm gonna say no..." he said on the questioning of ever having felt tempted to take a seat elsewhere in the paddock.

"I don't want more headlines. It would be ideal to finish my career at Red Bull with one team. That would be something amazing and I am still trying to achieve that.

"We are fighting for podiums now and that's not too bad!"

Reports suggested Verstappen's contract contained exit clauses that could be activated if he is not in the top three in the drivers championship at the end of July.

But the four-time world champion bluntly refused to reveal any details about his deal with Red Bull.

"To be honest, I am not speaking about my contract. It's easier like that," he said.