Kehl puts Süle under pressure: "We had hoped for more"
In an interview on Sunday evening, Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl made it clear that he expects more from Niklas Süle than he is currently seeing from the central defender.
Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl has criticized Niklas Süle, saying the centre-back needs to "step on the gas" to earn more playing time in central defense.
Despite Mats Hummels' absence against Darmstadt at the weekend, Süle was overlooked as Dortmund coach Edin Terzic opted to move Emre Can back to partner Nico Schlotterbeck at the heart of defense.
Kehl commented on the decision on Sunday evening, saying he believes Süle is capable of more than what he's currently showing.
"I think coach Niklas made a good decision by playing Emre Can at centre-back. It was his reaction to the last days of the training camp, when he wasn't so satisfied. I can feel that it upset [Süle] a bit," Kehl told Sky Germany.
"Niklas has big goals and we will support him. But he has to step on the gas at some point. I have the feeling that it will click now. He has to take that step now.
"We had hoped for more in the last months. But Niklas can do more. That's what I hope and expect."
Süle, 28, is contracted to Dortmund until 2026.