Champions League: Mentality not enough to beat Real Madrid, says Dortmund coach

Borussia Dortmund's head coach Nuri Sahin warns his team about the challenges of facing Real Madrid in the Champions League. Emphasizing a complete performance, Sahin reflects on his personal connection to the Bernabéu.

In Short

• Nuri Sahin stresses the need for a complete performance against Real Madrid
• Dortmund's strong start with significant victories over Celtic and Club Brugge
• Real Madrid won their 15th European Cup in June with a 2-0 win vs Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund head coach Nuri Sahin has cautioned that his team will need more than just a strong mentality to overcome Real Madrid in their Champions League clash on Tuesday. As the two clubs meet again after last season's final, Sahin emphasized the importance of a complete performance if Dortmund hopes to succeed against the reigning European champions.

Real Madrid claimed their record 15th European Cup in June with a 2-0 victory over Dortmund in the final at Wembley. Late goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr. dashed Dortmund's hopes after the German side had dominated much of the match's first hour.

Speaking in a press conference on Monday, Sahin stressed that facing Madrid in their fortress, the Santiago Bernabéu, required far more than just mental resilience.

"Mentality only is not enough to survive against Real Madrid, especially in this stadium, against the champions of this competition," Sahin stated. "We need everything tomorrow: a lot of quality, a lot of self-confidence, mentality of course, and also, as we say in Germany, 'game luck.' The game has to go our way. Only mentality will not be enough, but without mentality, we have absolutely no chance here."

Dortmund started their Champions League campaign in fine form, with back-to-back wins that saw them demolish Celtic 7-1 at home, following a 3-0 away victory against Club Brugge. The Bundesliga side currently sits at the top of their group with six points and a staggering goal difference of nine.

Sahin highlighted the importance of a collective effort, stating, "It's only possible [to win] as a collective against this team. The lads know what we have planned for tomorrow. We want to be brave and build on the last two games in the Champions League."

Tuesday's fixture will be particularly special for Sahin, as he returns to the Bernabéu for the first time as a coach. The Turkish former midfielder had a brief stint as a player at Real Madrid after joining them from Dortmund in 2011. Reflecting on his journey, Sahin expressed his personal connection to the stadium and the club.

"(Being back at the Santiago Bernabéu) means a lot to me because it was always my dream to play one day for Real Madrid. My son was born in this beautiful city, and I have him with me here," Sahin said.

"Even if it was not that long that I played for Real Madrid, it will always remain special for me. Not only for footballing reasons but also family-wise, it's a fantastic thing to be here."

After his time in Madrid, Sahin went on loan to Liverpool before rejoining Dortmund in 2013. Since taking over the reins at Dortmund, the 36-year-old coach has been praised for his leadership and tactical approach, bringing fresh energy to the team.