Gundogan: we are aiming for second place

Gundogan: We are aiming for second place

Jan 27, 2013 7:35:00 PM

The Germany international believes that die Roten are too far ahead to be caught, but hopes that his side can finish runners-up in the league this season

Ilkay Gundogan has said that Borussia Dortmund are remaining realistic in their expectations for the season, and are currently focused on finishing second rather than challenging Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga title.

Dortmund have won twice and scored eight goals without reply since returning from the winter break, and Gundogan has been at the heart of that fine form, completing 126 passes as the defending champions beat Nurnberg 3-0 on Friday.

But the German international says the side are solely focused on catching Bayer Leverkusen, with the two sides set to meet next weekend.

Gundogan told Bundesliga.de: "Bayer are a strong opponent, against whom we'll have to produce a complete performance. There's no doubt it's a crucial match because both teams are currently battling for second place.

"Despite that fact, I don't believe that this encounter will decide the outcome. There are 14 more games to come after that in which a lot can happen, but there's no question about it - we want to succeed in Leverkusen and build on our impressive form.

"We're maintaining a realistic perspective on everything. There's no reason to start formulating a plan of attack in the title race. A healthy dose of reality can't hurt, which is why we're focusing on clinching second place - for now at least."

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