Dortmund boss overjoyed after win over Sporting: "An outstanding statement" | OneFootball

After losing 1-2 to VfB Stuttgart in Niko Kovac's first game as Borussia Dortmund coach, the Bundesliga side picked up their first win under the Croatian coach on Tuesday, beating Sporting CP 3-0 away in the Champions League.

Speaking in the mixed zone after the match, BVB managing director for sport Lars Ricken was delighted with the result.

“It was a bit of a dogged first half; we were lacking courage and confidence. I wasn't in the dressing room [at half-time], but Niko must have found the right words,” Ricken said.

“It was as if the handbrake had been released: extremely courageous, hard-running – and the enthusiasm was suddenly there. The goal for 1-0 came about because we were counter-pressing extremely well. The quality of the crosses was good.”

With this result, Dortmund took a big step towards going through from the knockout play-off stage of the Champions League. They'll now turn their attention to Saturday's derby against VfL Bochum.

“That was really good for our self-confidence; an outstanding statement. I'm confident that we'll reach the round of 16. But now the focus is on Bochum,” said Ricken.