Mental struggles for Kagawa

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Shinji Kagawa admits he struggled to prepare mentally for Saturday’s 2-1 win over Mainz in the Bundesliga.

The Japan attacker, who was on international duty on Wednesday, returned to Germany to score a 77th-minute winner against Mainz as Dortmund moved seven points clear at the top.

But despite the winner, Kagawa told reporters his preparation was affected after his mid-week journey and recent injury.

“Personally, it was very hard for me to switch over mentally in preparing for this match. I had various problems with my condition, so in a way I went into this game not fully prepared mentally,” Kagawa said.

“But players from other country’s national teams have the same problem. I think it had a big influence on the match.”

Kagawa, 22, said Dortmund’s lack of usual quality and the ‘lukewarm’ atmosphere made the match more difficult.

“I had several misses myself, and in general we lacked our usual quality. The atmosphere was a bit lukewarm, especially when they pushed,” he said.

“In that way it was a tough match, but to win under those conditions is really important.”

Kagawa said he was delighted to score the winner, and added that his shot felt good from the moment he struck it.

“If I say it went as I thought it would sound strange, but I just met the ball well,” he said.

“The shot went a little high so I was worried that it wouldn’t go in, but it did and of course I’m happy about that.”