DORTMUND/Germany: Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl still believes his side can wrestle the Bundesliga title away from Bayern Munich for the first time in 11 seasons despite the 2-2 draw at Schalke on Saturday.
The thrilling derby draw, coupled with Bayern’s 5-3 win over Bavarian neighbours Augsburg, meant the champions ended the day two points clear of the Black and Yellows with 10 games left to play.
“We all want the title race to remain exciting until the end. That’s why the two points lost hurt. But nothing is over yet,” Kehl told reporters.
Dortmund were twice ahead before being pegged back by relegation-threatened Schalke in the 100th Bundesliga Ruhr derby. It ended Dortmund’s run of eight league wins in row.
“It was incredibly annoying and completely unnecessary,” added Kehl. “We can be very satisfied with the first half. We should have scored at least a second, maybe a third.”
Bayern overcame Augsburg at home thanks to a first Bundesliga double from defender Benjamin Pavard.
The France international had previously suggested he was keen to leave Bayern, with his contract up in 2024. But he is now playing more often as a centre back rather than right back and has recovered from a difficult period personally and on the pitch.
Bayern’s hierarchy had nothing but praise for him on Saturday and now he seems open to extending his deal.
“I’m concentrating on my performances and that we can win as many trophies as possible at the end of the season. Afterwards we have time to talk about my future,” he told Bild TV on Sunday.
