"We cannot take anything lightly" - Kovac wary ahead of Sporting CP rematch | OneFootball

Niko Kovac provided a squad update ahead of Wednesday's UEFA Champions League play-off second-leg tie at home to Sporting Lisbon, with some positive news on the injury front.

“We are happy that Carney Chukwuemeka and Ramy Bensebaini are back, but it is too early to send them both into the starting eleven tomorrow. It is possible that they will get minutes,” Kovac said.

Reflecting on last weekend’s disappointing defeat to neighbours VfL Bochum, the 53-year-old said his team must lift their heads and refocus.

“It is not an easy situation, everyone can see that. But it is also an opportunity to grow together and come out stronger.

“We have to fill our heads with positive thoughts so that things will be better in the future.

“The team is capable of going at a really high pace and bringing a lot of intensity. The mind is the decisive factor at the moment.

“This will only improve through experiences of success in games and training. Victories help the most,” Kovac explained.

The BVB boss made it clear that it is only half-time in the tie and his players won’t get ahead of themselves with thoughts of the next round.

“We know a few of their [Sporting CP] players are out. But the guys who are coming in now will certainly want to offer themselves to the coach and take their chance.

“In football, anything is possible, and we cannot take anything lightly,” he concluded.

Dortmund takes on Sporting Lisbon at the Westfalenstadion at 6.45pm (CET) on Wednesday afternoon. The winner will face either English club Aston Villa or LOSC Lille from France in the Round of 16.