The victory over Schalke in the Revierderby was a statement, a declaration of intent. But as the Dortmund squad prepared for their first away match in the Champions League, they knew they were about to face a different kind of test.
A test of nerve, of courage, of mental fortitude. They were heading to Istanbul, to the Türk Telekom Stadium, to face Galatasaray in what was widely regarded as one of the most hostile and intimidating atmospheres in world football.
Klopp, in the pre-match meetings, did not mince his words. "This will be unlike anything you have ever experienced," he warned, his eyes scanning the faces of his players, lingering for a moment on the younger ones like Mateo and Lukas. "The noise will be deafening. The hostility will be palpable. They will try to intimidate you, to unsettle you, to break you. Do not let them. Stay focused. Stay disciplined. And most importantly, stay together."
