Klopp not certain of Champions League progression

Nov 20, 2012 8:25:00 PM

The German coach has told his players to go for a win when they face Ajax on Wednesday, but Marcel Schmelzer is anticipating a tough match in Amsterdam

Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp has urged his side not to play for a point when they travel to Ajax in the Champions League on Wednesday.

The German champions are in a good position to qualify for the last 16, but the former Mainz boss does not believe that participation in the knock-out stages is certain.

"We don't play for just a point," he told reporters.

"Ajax are an inventive team that always try to find a solution by playing good football. But if you play football, it does not mean that you win. Ajax have the chance to win because they attack, but so do we.

"Both teams have grown since the first match. The competition is progressing and you can see tomorrow's game as a semi-final in this group. It is a very important game for both teams.

"We have no certainty at this moment. There is a chance to go to the next round. We can't restrict ourselves with our own expectations.

"It's important that we are performing steadily on a firm base. Eight points sounds good, but it could have been more. Equally, Ajax haven't got all the points they deserve."

Left-back Marcel Schmelzer echoed Klopp's battle-cry for an away win, but admits that the trip to the Netherlands will not be an easy one.

"We are not playing for a draw," the 24-year-old explained.

"It's important that we give our best for 95 minutes and give everything. We want to show our qualities.

"Ajax have a good defence and it's hard to create chances against them. We did it in our home game, but it will be more difficult in Amsterdam," he conceded.

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