BERLIN: New Borussia Dortmund chief coach Peter Stoeger is said to be a specialist when humanity is part of the problem. You rarely hear him talk about his footballers' imperfection and weaknesses in public. Being appointed as new coach of the eight-time German champions a few days ago, the Austrian is facing the maybe biggest challenge of his career as he is expected to ease the tensions around their most colourful performer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The pre-quarterfinal in the German Cup against Bayern Munich on Wednesday evening is expected to provide valuable hints if the 51-year-old will succeed, reports Xinhua news agency.
Fact is: The mood of the entire club has changed to positive after two victories in the Bundesliga when beating Mainz (2-0) and Hoffenheim (2-1). As did the mood of the Gabon striker.
Having scored his 12th and 13th season goals, Dortmund fans saw their hero smile and celebrate on the pitch. Pundits assume the club is determined to make another (maybe last) attempt to get along with Aubameyang's characteristics.
The club's sporting director Michael Zorc incidentally announced that Aubameyang has extended his contract until 2021. "Aubameyang will be part of our team after the winter break," Watzke told German media.
"He is a vital part of our plans as he has a long lasting contract. He might leave one day, but for now he is an essential performer for our team," Zorc commented.
Aubameyang is Dortmund's star turn, with 31 Bundesliga goals last season and 13 in 15 games so far this season.
However, he was suspended for a game last month for disciplinary reasons. Aubameyang's repeated tardiness is one of the leading topics for Dortmund in their attempt to secure the team's faith.
In a TV show, Zorc admitted that Aubameyang's poor time-keeping is an issue club bosses are struggling to resolve. "Auba is a particular player. He is an extravagant and colourful character. That is something a city like Dortmund is benefitting from," Zorc emphasized.
Stoeger seems the right man to deal with Aubameyang's character Zorc assumed as Stoeger managed to get along well with his former clubs rogue Anthony Modeste in Cologne.
While Stoeger is busy talking about Aubameyang's capacity for teamwork, Zorc is mentioning the strikers' problem with delays. "We have only one problem with him that is punctuality. This crept in last year that he often arrived too late as players are expected to be around one hour before training," Zorc revealed.
Zorc said he does not believe "that we can completely get rid of it, but we can handle it fine." Zorc noted Aubameyang was always attending full training sessions.
Stoeger's tactical changes address spear-heading Aubameyang's need for space up front as Dortmund are operating further back on the pitch since Stoeger took over from Dutch Peter Bosz. Dortmund's squad (including Aubameyang) seems to feel comfortable with the changes. "The new tactical approach gives us stability and confidence," midfielder Christian Pulisic stressed.
Watzke added: "The spirit of the team is improving, we are happy about the turnaround."
The German Cup might not be Dortmund's most important issue after the team had lost contact with the league's top but to qualify for the Champions League is a must. But the prestigious duel against Bayern is said to be essential for the team's progress. A victory would support Stoeger's effort to regain stability and confidence.