By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Having an interview with Erling Braut Haaland can be a tricky thing. The answers of the Norwegian usually contain three words per response. And two to three words always seem enough for Borussia Dortmund's new goal machine.
The message behind the 19-year-old's behavior is: Don't talk but play football or better, score goals. The striker's determination and confidence seem the appropriate medicine for the Blacks and Yellows after struggling for long.
Beating the favorites of Paris St Germain by 2-1 in the first leg of the last-16-round Champions League now indicates the 2012 German champions has found its way back to consistency.
The team of coach Lucien Favre might still not have entered the circle of favorites to win this season's Champions League campaign. Nevertheless, their rivals in the national league, such as Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig, better prepare for more to come.
Fans now puzzle over the question if their colors are back in the German title race?
The Welt wrote: "Haaland and Can lift Dortmund on a new level."
BACK TO STABILITY
Dortmund has shifted its midfield and back-row towards its own goal by a few meters to close the gaps on the pitch. The side's game changed from enchanting but inconsistent to excellent and successful.
Counting on the physical robustness of new arrival, Emre Can Borussia improved when it comes to winning back the ball or interrupt their opponent's attacks.
With Can at his side former Chinese Super League performer Axel Witsel is enjoying new options as he is free to join his side's attacking efforts.
Can quickly developed to the team's spiritual leader. "He is directing the team and is frequently talking to his teammates," Favre emphasized. Mats Hummels said: "He is a winner."
Can is praising "the enormous potential this team has. We can get to really big things." His harsh attacks on Paris star Neymar created the starting point for a more determined and physical game style.
In advance of the game, Dortmund announced to buy the 26-year-old on loan midfielder for 25 million euros from Juventus. The German international signed a contract until 2024.
GOAL MACHINE
The forward always gives the impression as if butter couldn't melt in his mouth, but babyface Haaland has it as big as a fist behind his ears.
Favre reported about his spearhead's impatience. "He is always annoyed when he doesn't score. You can see that in training and on the pitch," the Swiss manager reported.
Thomas Tuchel called him "an animal." The Paris coach admitted: "We couldn't break his will."
Self-doubt doesn't seem to exist in his life. After his second goal, the youngster sat down in the box, putting his arms on his bent knees as if he was about to start his next meditation session. "I enjoy my life and smile," he said.
ATTACKING POWER
Aside from Haaland, Borussia can count on genius Jadon Sancho. The English international is constantly tearing new gaps.
Julian Brandt and Marco Reus provide additional options when returning from injury, aside from 17-year-old Giovanni Reyna and Thorgan Hazard.
Dortmund scored 63 goals after 22 league games setting a new record.
FAVRE HAPPY
For long, the coach failed to convince his squad of the necessity to first defend and then attack. Now Favre seems to have found an appropriate strategy to stabilize his team's performance.
"I just told them to deliver a satisfying defensive performance is vital. That is the key and gives us more options for attacks. We know about our strength up front," the 62-year-old commented with a wink. Enditem
