Klopp: Dortmund players needed rest

Borussia Dortmund boss Juergen Klopp believes his squad deserved a lengthy break for their efforts during a gruelling 2012-13 campaign.

The German club finished second in the Bundesliga last term, and also suffered a demoralising defeat in the UEFA Champions League final to Bayern Munich.

And, after many of his players also had to fulfil international commitments at the end of the campaign, the German boss is certain his charges have earned their rest.

“After all those games on the international stage we had to give the players a long time off,” he told the club’s official website.

“My players started some individual training three weeks ago. We have been working together already for five years; there’s a great deal of trust – they have always repaid it. And they are again looking in great shape.”

The 46-year-old also explained that he has no concerns over the fitness of Mats Hummels and Marco Reus, after the pair both had to pull out of training.

“Just a precautionary measure,” he added.