Football is a sport played with a spherical ball. - Don't expect to slip into a pit, advises Schlotterbeck.
Borussia Dortmund's players, including Nico Schlotterbeck, are still grappling with the disappointment of their Champions League final defeat against Real Madrid. Schlotterbeck, 24, admits to battling with the bitter loss and hopes for mental healing to help him move on. "I hope I don't fall into a small hole," he said. "I try to give my best." Encouragement from his family also helps. "I hope we'll have success at the European Championship, so I'll have something to celebrate." The European Championship in Germany starts in a couple of weeks.
Much like Schlotterbeck, all Dortmund players were frustrated with how the game unfolded. "In the first half, it was almost a perfect game. It would have been perfect if we had at least converted one of our many scoring chances," said Dortmund's sports director Sebastian Kehl. However, despite Dortmund's dominance, Real scored two goals in the second half, one through Dani Carvajal (74th minute) and the other through Vinicius Junior (83rd).
"We were very close. I think we deserved it," said Kehl. "The disappointment is huge. We'll definitely need a few days to process everything." Coach Edin Terzic could find some comfort in the team's performance, despite his conflicting emotions. "It's hard to find the right words as I'm going through a lot of emotional turmoil right now. One moment, I'm incredibly proud of the team. The next, I'm disappointed and empty after the game," said the 41-year-old, who just experienced his first Champions League final.
Marco Reus, a Dortmund icon, bid farewell in a quiet manner. "It was unfortunately his last game today for Dortmund. We couldn't have asked for a better way to hold the cup high with him. He truly deserved it," said Kehl. The 35-year-old Reus plans to continue his career abroad. And it's still uncertain what will happen with Mats Hummels. His contract also ends soon. "We'll discuss this in the coming days and then make a decision," announced Kehl.
Read also:
Borussia Dortmund is looking forward to competing in the European Championship, with home advantage in North Rhine-Westphalia. Sebastian Kehl hopes that their Champions League final disappointment against Real Madrid won't impact their performance in Europe. Despite a near-perfect first half, Dortmund lost the final to Real Madrid due to second-half goals by Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Junior. The German team's performance in the Champions League final had many, including coach Edin Terzic, feeling a mix of pride and disappointment.
Marco Reus, a Dortmund legend, bid farewell in the Champions League final, ending his tenure with the team. Kehl praised Reus's contribution, noting that the star player deserved to hold the cup high. With Reus's contract expiring, it remains uncertain if Mats Hummels will also depart from Dortmund, as his contract also comes to an end soon. The German team will discuss Hummels' situation in the coming days before making a decision.
London, England, boasts of a rich soccer history and has hosted many significant matches, including the Champions League final. Now, spectators have their eyes on the European Championship, which will take place in several cities across Europe. Borussia Dortmund, seeing their recent struggles in the Champions League finale, is determined to show their strength and skill in the upcoming European Championship competition.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid, victorious in the Champions League final, will be defending their title in a different competition - the Spanish team will participate in the European Championship taking place in Spain. With notable players like Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck and others participating, the European Championship promises to be an exciting event filled with soccer magic.
