RELAX! WE ’VE GOT THIS

Talent to go all the way, Jude Gundogan: There’s no need to panic if we concede a goal - we have the quality players to get us to the semi-finals

BORUSSIA DORTMUND coach Edin Terzic is not surprised at how easily Jude Bellingham has taken to playing at the highest level.

The teenager (above) was his team’s stand-out performer in the first leg against Manchester City, which Dortmund lost 2-1 when they conceded a last-minute goal.

In his debut season with the club following a £25million move from Birmingham, midfielder Bellingham’s impressive form has put him in contention for England’s Euro 2020 squad.

“Jude is only 17 and it’s his first season abroad and in a top division,” said Terzic.

“Straight away, with all the problems and issues he had, like living abroad without his family, he’s always performed very well. Then he got a call-up by England.

“That squad is full of potential and talent. If he’s involved in that group, then we’re very proud we have such a good player with us.

“We’re not really surprised. He had played first-team football before he came to us. He had a great season at Birmingham.

“His work-rate in training is always good and from the very first one you could see he was ready.

“What we are a bit surprised at is that he plays like this every three days, at this level.

“We know young men will have ups and downs. He’s not had many downs, but we’re there if that happens. We’re trying to help and support him to get to the next level.”

Dortmund’s Erling

Haaland is the leading scorer in the Champions

League this season with 10 goals, five at home and five away.

But on their £130m-rated forward, who has not scored in six games for club and country, Terzic said: “Even if he hasn’t scored, he’s still a key player for us.

“He can cause difficulties to our opponents. In the second half against Stuttgart, he did a great job.’’

Jadon Sancho has not recovered from a thigh injury in time to face his former side. He missed the first leg at the Etihad and Terzic said: “Jadon won’t be at our disposal. He trained again, he is doing his best.’’

not panic when the going gets tough tonight if they are to reach the Champions League semi-finals.

City have exited at the quarter-final stage for the past three years, with Pep Guardiola’s side folding after conceding goals in the decisive second leg.

In 2018, three goals were shipped in a calamitous 20-minute first-half spell at Liverpool which ultimately saw City lose the first leg 3-0, before a 2-1 defeat at home.

A year later it was a similar tale, with three goals conceded against Tottenham – including two in the first 10 minutes – which ended up sending City out on away goals.

Last season, in the one-off quarter-final against Lyon, two goals conceded in the last 11 minutes saw City lose 3-1. With Guardiola’s side holding a narrow 2-1 lead over Borussia Dortmund, tonight will provide the answers as to whether or not Guardiola and his players have learned from past mistakes.

For Germany midfielder Gundogan (circle), the lesson is clear – it is OK to struggle against teams at this stage of the tournament – the secret is not letting it overwhelm you.

Gundogan, 30, who joined City from Dortmund in 2016 as Guardiola’s first signing, said: “At this stage, playing against the best teams in Europe, it’s normal. Everyone has quality and it’s normal that you concede a goal.

“Maybe we’re not too used to going behind or struggling, because we’re used to always dominating the game and possession. But it’s normal in the Champions League. In the Premier League also, there are games where it might not be that easy and fluent on the pitch, so you also make mistakes.

“Learning to deal with it is the only thing that’s been missing.

“In the tie against Tottenham we won the second leg 4-3, but in the first leg conceding a goal was maybe unnecessary, but it was also about dealing with the whole situation.

“We conceded, but still had maybe 16 minutes left to play. Dealing with that is something we might need to learn still. These stages will show it.”

City are better equipped defensively than last season, the arrival of Ruben Dias and the partnership he has formed with the rejuvenated John Stones (together, right) has given them a solid base at the back.

“I know we have great players and are capable of going to the semi-final,” added Gundogan.

“Maybe we should have been there earlier, but we were lacking something. We made unnecessary individual mistakes that led to goals and then it’s tough.

“Against Tottenham at home we conceded three goals, two to Liverpool, and when you concede that amount of goals in your own stadium, it’s not easy.

“I feel like we’re much more stable this season, especially defensively.

“It also gives you a safe feeling when your defensive line is working great, your goalkeeper is great. That, combined with the feeling that we’re always able to score, shows great potential.”

City must fulfil that potential tonight and overcome their quarter-final jinx, to stay on course for the one major trophy to so far elude them.