Ricken hits back at criticism of Dortmund’s playing style: "We are an uncomfortable opponent for every team"

Borussia Dortmund boss Lars Ricken has hit back at critics of Niko Kovac's playing style, insisting that playing attacking football isn't always possible – or necessary.

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After securing consecutive Champions League qualifications, Niko Kovac has guided Borussia Dortmund to second place in the Bundesliga, level on points with league leaders Bayern Munich ahead of Saturday’s clash between the two sides.

Despite the results improving since Kovac took charge, the Croatian coach’s playing style has continued to draw criticism. Some feel his approach is too defensive, lacks entertainment value and doesn't suit a club of Borussia Dortmund’s stature.

However, the club’s managing director for sport, Lars Ricken, disagrees with that assessment.

“I do think there is plenty happening on the pitch wherever Borussia Dortmund play. We deliberately chose this direction in the summer. Joane Gadou is a spectacular player, even as a centre-back. Apart from him, we signed only attacking players,” Ricken told Sport Bild.

“We want to play attractive football. It's also clear that we still have room for improvement. But I have to say that we have around 50 matches in a season. It simply isn’t possible to play all-out attacking football all the time. Nor is it always necessary.”

According to Ricken, Dortmund have become an opponent other sides would rather avoid facing.

“One measure for me is what happens when we sit down with representatives of other clubs. And I can tell you this: none of them wants to play against Borussia Dortmund. Even after a good performance, they are more likely to hope for a draw than a win,” he said.

“That is exactly the impression we want to create: that we are an uncomfortable opponent for every team to face.”

Having edged past Werder Bremen 3-2 in the DFB-Pokal on Tuesday, Dortmund now turn their attention to Saturday’s showdown with FC Bayern at the Allianz Arena.