UEFA.com works better on other browsers
For the best possible experience, we recommend using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Klopp at a loss to explain Dortmund exploits

"It feels like we've won the trophy," said ecstatic Borussia Dortmund coach Jürgen Klopp after his team snatched an unlikely semi-final slot at the expense of Málaga CF.

Klopp at a loss to explain Dortmund exploits
Klopp at a loss to explain Dortmund exploits ©UEFA.com

Jürgen Klopp, Dortmund coach
There's one very disappointed team at the moment and one very lucky one. I didn't expect to see this from my side – it was our worst game in the Champions League so far. It was easy for Málaga to defend against us, and although in the second half we tried to play better, they were too clever. They slowed the game down, they waited for us. It was not easy. Then there were two unbelievable moments. Over the two games, though, we were deserved winners.

I cannot explain what has happened inside me after that – I think I need to see a doctor. It feels like we've won the trophy. If we play as we did tonight we won't win the Champions League, but if we play as we really can and have tonight's passion, then we can do well. My assistants and I were looking at each other in shock in the dressing room, saying 'this is crazy'. This is the best I've ever felt.

Manuel Pellegrini, Málaga coach
You can call defeats cruel, sure, but I don't agree. It's painful because of the great performance the team put in. They say that Dortmund are the best footballing team in Europe yet they end up pumping long balls [into our penalty box]. Anyway, we have to congratulate our opponents.