Earn more than praise against Dortmund

“I hardly think about the game in my day-to-day business,” said Gisdol. “It comes up when I talk to someone about football away from my job. It's what they always want to talk about.” The boss doesn't want his players to pay any special attention to that memorable encounter ahead of the eleventh meeting between the sides.

Gisdol and his team are looking forward to the challenge ahead: “We have a home game against a great opponent. It's a huge task but we want to be competitive. I think it will be an exciting encounter.” He also feels that BVB securing their spot in the Champions League knockout stages during the week will play a role on Saturday.

Marseille game a factor

“The win in Marseille will do Dortmund some good. It will certainly put them in good spirits, but the game and the journey will no doubt have a physical and mental effect,” said Gisdol. He's expecting Jürgen Klopp to call on one or two different faces on the weekend compared to the match in France.

The manager didn't reveal whether he would make any changes from the side that started in the wins against Schalke and Frankfurt. “The team has worked well in both games. But we will take another look at the opposition and then we'll decide who will start,” explained Gisdol. There's also no definitive answer about who will play in goal. “I will talk to Koen and Jens on Friday, but in my head I'm already leaning one way.”

Spoilt for choice

The boss is also spoilt for choice for his outfield players, although Stefan Thesker remains unavailable with an ankle injury. Otherwise, Gisdol can choose from any of his players. Regardless of who is on the pitch, the gaffer is hoping to carry on from the performances in the last two games. “If we play anything like we have done recently then we can take something from the game,” said Gisdol.

“We played well at home against the league's other top sides, Bayern and Leverkusen. We received a lot of praise but went home empty-handed.” That's something Gisdol wants to change. “It would be nice to take something from the game,” added the manager, especially considering it's the last home game of 2013. “It would be a good way to round things off.” Maybe we will see the second TSG win over Borussia Dortmund in 2013, then perhaps come the next meeting, the manager will be asked about the game in December rather than the one last May.

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