Granit Xhaka praises ‘hungry’ Nuri Şahin ahead of Borussia Dortmund clash | OneFootball

The Bundesliga resumes this weekend and the opening fixture of 2025 sees Borussia Dortmund host Bayer Leverkusen at the Westfalenstadion. Speaking ahead of Friday night’s game, Bayer’s Granit Xhaka had high praise for Nuri Şahin in the opposition dugout.

“We know that in Nuri Şahin they have a coach who is very hungry, who also has a philosophy and who wants to play football,” said Xhaka, via kicker. Dortmund haven’t had the best start under Şahin with just seven wins in 15 Bundesliga games this season, but Xhaka warned his Leverkusen teammates of the threat that Friday’s opposition pose.

“Dortmund is Dortmund,” added Xhaka. “They have a lot of good players and a good coach. We have to prepare very well.”

Can Bayer Leverkusen push Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga title?

Reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen who just four of their opening 10 Bundesliga games this season, a run that included five draws, but improved after November’s international break and come into their clash against Dortmund with five successive league wins, leaving them four points behind leaders Bayern Munich.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder