“Possibly the best team in Europe – Club chief hits back at criticism after Man City defeat

Borussia Dortmund chief Sebastien Kehl has hit back at Didi Hamann after he criticised the Bundesliga side for their defeat to Manchester City.

Dortmund were beaten by Manchester City in matchday two of the Champions League this week, with late goals from John Stones and Erling Haaland handing Pep Guardiola’s side all three points.

It had been a relatively close affair until Jude Bellingham put his side in front with a header in the 56^th minute.

That seemed to wake Manchester City up and they ended up dominating the stats as a result, with 66% possession and 12 shots on target.

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Despite that it ultimately took two wonder goals from Stones and Haaland to secure the win and there were plenty of positives for Dortmund to take.

That was very much the focus for those involved with the club, but Hamann took a different stance, criticising them for a lack of self-criticism and labelling it fatal.

Kehl is having none of that, though, insisting that the pundit needs some perspective given Manchester City are “possibly the best team in Europe”.

“We all want to win in the end,” he told Sky Sports Germany.

“I think you still have to make a distinction: If you lose 0:3 in Leipzig – and we expressed very strong self-criticism there – or against possibly the best team in Europe against Man City with a narrow 1:2.

“Then you also have to classify it differently. I don’t think it’s right to criticise after the 1:2.”