Sebastian Kehl, the sporting director of Borussia Dortmund, confirmed that the team's trip to northern Italy to face Atalanta Bergamo will not be easy or just a walk in the park.

Kiel said before the second leg of the European playoff on Wednesday: "The match will not be easy, it will be very intense, and its atmosphere may be tense and even aggressive at times."

Kehl emphasized the necessity for the players to focus on the match in Bergamo without thinking about the anticipated Bayern match in the Bundesliga at the weekend, which fans have been looking forward to for weeks. He added, "I want to focus solely on Bergamo. This is a very important match for the club, and we should not be complacent about our 2-0 win in the first leg."

The statements of the veteran reflect a commitment to approach the match against Atalanta with full seriousness, away from the noise surrounding the upcoming top match in the Bundesliga. He explained that focus and discipline will be the key to maintaining the chance of qualifying in the European playoffs.

The match is expected to be highly competitive and intense, with Dortmund striving to maintain their lead and secure their position in the next round, before focusing on the anticipated battle against Bayern.