Haaland hailed as ‘perfect’ fit
Borussia Dortmund managing director Carsten Cramer has hailed teenage phenom Erling Haaland as a “perfect guy” who fits the club “in a perfect way” — both on and off the pitch.
The Norwegian has been an instant success for BVB since signing from Red Bull Salzburg in January, when he reportedly turned down Manchester United’s overtures in favor of the eight-time Bundesliga champion.
Haaland has already amassed 13 goals in 13 appearances for Lucien Favre’s side, with his latest strike one for the history books — a cool 29th-minute finish in a 4-0 derby drubbing of Schalke that registered as the first goal of the Bundesliga’s restart following its twomonth hiatus due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Haaland even capped the moment with a socially distanced goal celebration to neatly sum up the Bundesliga’s safety-conscious return to action in one viral-ready image.
“I think he is a perfect guy. I’m not talking about his ability on the pitch. Of course, he is an extraordinary player but he’s a brilliant guy, who really fits into the Dortmund mentality,” Cramer told China Daily of the 19-year-old, whose January arrival from Austria was supplemented by the loan signing of Emre Can from Juventus.
“If you take this picture when he celebrated his goal I would have to say that it is representative of Dortmund and of him — recognizing that limits and restrictions existed.
“If we all continue in a way like this, there is very high probability that we will come to a positive end to the season.
“This guy Erling Haaland represents Dortmund and the characteristics of Dortmund in a perfect way. He and Emre Can were some important puzzle pieces to create a successful team.”
Somewhat inevitably, the rumor mill is already linking Haaland, who reportedly cost BVB around $21 million from Salzburg, with the likes of Real Madrid and Juventus. According to British media, another fast-rising Dortmund youngster, Jadon Sancho, is wanted by Manchester United.
Cramer had no comment on that speculation but said: “It’s better to be part of rumors than to be completely ignored. It’s a kind of hidden complement to our sports people and our players.”
Bayern showdown
Now Dortmund’s attention turns to Tuesday’s ‘Der Klassiker’ against leader Bayern Munich. With four points separating second-place Dortmund from their old rival, Tuesday night’s game will likely go a long way to deciding the destination of this year’s title.
And Cramer reckons, even without the noise of the ‘Yellow Wall’ to roar Dortmund on at a spectatorless Signal Iduna Park, BVB can still hope to rely on a little home advantage.
“Even without supporters, it’s always a preference to play them in our stadium than in Munich,” said Cramer. “Especially if you consider the last games in Munich, we lost all of them awfully.
“So, for sure, it’s a big advantage to play at home. We want to compete, there are still seven games left and as long as we have a chance why should we accept that Bayern would become champion. We are ready to rumble and compete and we want to take our chances.
“It will be a very exciting game, and everything is possible. Everyone is positive and looking forward to it, and we will try to take the home advantage, even though the 81,000 people are missing.”