Waldemar Anton to captain Dortmund again against Villarreal
Waldemar Anton will captain Borussia Dortmund again when Villarreal visit Signal Iduna Park for Tuesday’s Champions League league-phase opener, with Emre Can still sidelined by an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
The 30-year-old defender has worn the armband in every competitive Dortmund match this season. Head coach Niko Kovac sees Anton as the clear choice to lead the side, pointing to his authority inside the dressing room and his influence on younger players.
Kovac said Anton sets the standard through his commitment and refusal to give in, adding that the centre-back was effectively a leader within the group last season even before becoming captain.
Who is affected
- Waldemar Anton: Set for another night as Dortmund captain and expected to lead the defence against the Spanish visitors.
- Emre Can: Club captain remains unavailable after suffering an ACL injury.
- Dortmund’s younger players: Kovac has identified Anton as a key example for the emerging members of the squad.
- Villarreal: Arrive in Germany after five straight Champions League away defeats without scoring.
Anton said the squad is eager to begin its European campaign strongly in front of the home support. He described a Champions League match in Dortmund as a special occasion and insisted last season must now be left behind as the team targets its first three points.
What happens next
Dortmund face Villarreal on Tuesday looking to repeat last season’s 4-0 win over the same opposition at Westfalenstadion. In that game, Dortmund generated 4.03 expected goals from 13 shots.
Victory in the opening league-phase fixture would give Kovac’s side an early platform before their Champions League schedule becomes more demanding.
