Dortmund eye second place for now
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has revealed his side are currently setting their sights on second place on the Bundesliga table.
By FOX SPORTS staff
Dortmund, who have been crowned league champions in the past two season, currently find themselves third after some inconsistent displays in the first half of the campaign.
Already, they are 12 points behind leaders Bayern Munich but just one behind second-placed Bayer Leverkusen, and Gundogan admits his side have to be realistic and set their sights lower for the time being.
"We're maintaining a realistic perspective on everything," he told Bundesliga.de.
"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."
Jurgen Klopp's side have an excellent chance to overtake Leverkusen when both sides meet this weekend, but Gundogan does not believe the clash will necessarily be decisive.
"Bayer are a strong opponent, against whom we'll have to produce a complete performance," the Germany international added. "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."
BVB are also challenging in the UEFA Champions League and have a tricky Round-of-16 tie against Shakhtar Donetsk next month.