Borussia Dortmund star Nico Schlotterbeck has opened up on the challenges of facing Jude Bellingham in the Champions League final and detailed his plan to stop the Englishman.
Dortmund are set to take on Real Madrid at Wembley on Saturday night as they look to lift Europe’s elite club competition for just the second time in their history.
Edin Terzic’s outfit have had a memorable run to the final, beating the likes of Atletico Madrid and PSG along the way, with their European successes coming despite a disappointing fifth place finish in the Bundesliga.
However, Real’s star-studded side includes the devastating attacking trio of Bellingham, Vinicius Jnr and Rodrygo, and Schlotterbeck outlined Dortmund’s proposed method of nullifying them.
‘I know Jude well – we played together for a year,’ Schlotterbeck said ahead of the showpiece event.
Nico Schlotterbeck revealed Borussia Dortmund’s plan to stop Jude Bellingham on Saturday
Bellingham is set to play a key role for Real Madrid in the Champions League final at Wembley
Schlotterbeck hailed his former team-mate and said it would take a team effort to nullify him
‘He can do everything. He can run with the ball, he can run without the ball, he can dribble, shoot, we have to be very careful.
‘You don’t have to say too much about the wingers. They are very strong at dribbling. Every player in the world has had problems with them. I look forward to the duel.
‘We have to do it as a team. If we can control their three offensive players, we have a chance to win.’
Bellingham is a popular figure in Dortmund despite his departure to Real last summer, with the 20-year-old scoring 24 goals and adding 25 assists across three years at the club.
But, he has taken his game to new levels this season in the Spanish capital, providing 35 goal contributions in 41 matches.
However, another former team-mate of Bellingham in Dortmund, Julian Brandt, insisted the German side can upset the odds as they look to avenge their defeat in the final to Bayern Munich back in 2013.
Speaking on Friday, he said: ‘Our Champions League season, what we’ve showed against lots of teams. Erdin said it very well. It is the ultimate opponent in Real Madrid. There is nothing bigger in the Champions League with their history.
‘If we didn’t believe it, we could have stayed in Dortmund. We have total belief and we will show that tomorrow.’
Elsewhere, Terzic outlined the challenges Carlo Ancelotti’s side will bring but called on his players to make sure they can celebrate long into the night on Saturday.
Schlotterbeck highlighted Real’s dangerous trio of Bellingham, Vinicius Jnr and Rodrygo
Dortmund boss Edin Terzic called on his side to ‘have the best party ever’ by winning the game
‘We are ready to compete at the highest level,’ he added. ‘Maybe if you play 10 times against Real Madrid, it is very difficult. If you play 34 times, it’s impossible. But if you break it down to one game, a final, everything is possible.
‘It is clear they have a role as favourites – we don’t care. If we are brave and ready to show that we are not here to see how Real Madrid lift the next trophy, if we are here to give a game, then we have a chance.
‘We can do it. We have won games on the way here and I’m sure the best parties I’ve ever had are the ones I never planned. That’s why I feel we can have the best party ever tomorrow.
‘If you had told me that I was sitting here the day before then I would expect to be nervous. But we have prepared so well that I feel so confident.’
