Club World Cup: For Dortmund there is more than the progress at the game

Now only victories help. When Borussia Dortmund plays against the Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa on Saturday (6:00 p.m./SAT.1 and DAZN) in Cincinnati, it is not just about progress at the club World Cup. Sebastian Kehl in particular would provide the minimum goal of the eve final qualification. Because the BVB sports director is tinkering at the squad for the new season in the USA.

Every morning, the alarm clock rings very early to get a large part of the European business time. After Jobe Bellingham’s obligation for a good 30 million euros, there are only further major transfers in it if money is earned by player sales. Unless the Dortmunders collect a lot of prize money from FIFA. “That can certainly give us more air in summer,” Kehl said about the possibilities in the USA.

Kehl wants to go to FIFA’s money pots

The BVB also has to exploit it: with victories. In the group phase there is two million US dollars per success (around 1.74 million euros), in the KO phase the prize money increases significantly in the event of success. In the round of 16, there are 7.5 million (6.5 million euros) and in the quarter -finals to earn $ 13.125 million (11.4 million euros).

By reaching the Champions League in the Bundesliga closure spurt last season, only the worst case was averted, because the income there is planned year after year. “We have not won new pots by reaching the Champions League. Only the planning has occurred,” said Kehl. “We certainly have the opportunity to record additional funds via the club World Cup.”

And they could then be invested independently of sales proceeds. No wonder that Kehl had many one -on -one discussions with the players before the second group game to increase motivation. “We saw that we have to do more,” Kehl said after the tired zero number against Fluminense Rio de Janeiro at the beginning. “That showed us that we have to stretch.”

Since Mamelodi won the opening match against HD Ulsan from South Korea 1-0, the Westphalia are already under pressure on Saturday. “Now the next two games are about securing the first or second place,” said coach Niko Kovac, who is relatively relaxed: “I am already assuming that we can win both games.”

Bellingham pushes into the team

It is quite possible that he changes the team slightly. New signing Bellingham is pushing into the team. Marcel Sabitzer or Julian Brandt, who are in the currently over -occupied midfield, did not take their chances against Fluminense. The Dortmund game on Tuesday was far too static and too slow.

Bellingham, who had been substituted a week after his commitment to the Brazilians after around 60 minutes, could bring the necessary dynamics. “He worked very, very committed from the first moment, and immediately asked for the ball,” Kehl campaigned for the 19-year-old top English talent.

Gitten should still be important

More passion, more speed, simply more will is needed. Wing racers Jamie Gitten could also be an option for this. Kehl hopes that the Englishman can put himself in the shop window again in the United States. “I am sure that Jamie is still important for us in the course of the tournament,” said the sports director not without ulterior motives.

Because Gittens pulls back to his home. And the 20-year-old is said to bring BVB more than 60 million euros. A sale before the tournament started to Chelsea FC failed, but the talks about a transfer after the club World Cup continue. It would be easier to make millions in the further course of the tournament. About victory premiums.