Dortmund boss backs Jadon Sancho to play 'decisive' role in Champions League final

Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl has backed Jadon Sancho to play a 'key' role in Saturday's Champions League final.

Die Schwarzgelben they will face Real Madrid at Wembley in their first Champions League final since losing to Bayern Munich in 2013 – a replay at Wembley – as they look to lift the trophy for the first time since their 1997 triumph.

However, after struggling in the Bundesliga this season – limping to a fifth place finish and ending the campaign 27 points behind champions Bayer Leverkusen – and facing a Real Madrid side seeking their sixth Champions League title in 11 years, there is no doubt that Dortmund are still there. the lower ones.

Dortmund will have to choose their moments against impressing Los Blancos costume and the one man who can be seen as important is Sancho.

The England international has looked rejuvenated since rejoining Dortmund on loan from Manchester United in January, scoring three goals and providing three assists in 20 games in all competitions and starring in BVB's semi-final victory over PSG.

Despite not scoring or assisting in either leg, Sancho was a threat to the Paris defence, attempting 24 dribbles and completing 16 in both games combined. Both figures were the most of any player in either Champions League semi-final, with the 24-year-old completing twice as many dribbles as nearest rival Vinicius Jr.

It is not surprising then that Kehl hopes that Sancho will present Real Madrid in London.

“Sancho has found his smile with us and that's exactly what he needed, to be happy playing football again”, said the former player (via Football Espana).

“I feel that he will make a decision when we face Real Madrid.”

'Eagerness is rising' among Dortmund players

For many members of this current Dortmund squad, Saturday represents their first ever Champions League final.

That alone is motivation enough without trying to beat Real Madrid for the first time in this game since 1981.

Kehl says there is 'pressure' and 'expectation' rising in equal measure.

“You can feel the joy,” he said (via Get German Football News). “Yes, we know what awaits us tomorrow and how much opportunity we have to play a great game, win the title, and make history – that's why the situation is tense, but it's the same as expected.”