Interview
Serhou Guirassy prior to the quarter-final: "You live for moments like this"
10 goals in 12 matches – your record in the Champions League is strong.
"Yes, of course, it is very good. But to me that's not a surprise – I know that I can be a very good goalscorer. This year I am proving that in a major competition. I need to keep going like this – and become even more efficient."
How much do you love scoring goals?
"I can't say that exactly – but I love scoring goals, as all strikers do. It is a very special feeling."
And what's it like to score in front of the South Stand?
"That is something special. I don't know whether I've already done that as an opposition player but it's now really special in a black and yellow shirt."
How much do you hate losing?
"I have a winning mentality – I always want to win. I've grown up with that. It is not always possible, of course, but you have to work to give yourself every chance. And when we don't win, I'm very unhappy – the team is too, and I am anyway with my mentality. Sometimes it's difficult, but as I said – you always want to keep looking forward and to focus on the future."
When you look at the names of the top goalscorers in the Champions League: Lewandowski, Dembélé – many of them have a BVB past.
"I have the feeling that Dortmund have always had goalscorers. And I'm happy to be one of those players who can score a lot of goals. That makes me proud."
Did you use to follow those players when they were at BVB?
"Yes, of course. Even though I wasn't at Dortmund, BVB are a club that everyone knows. When you watch the Bundesliga, you automatically remember those players."
You're up against FC Barcelona in the quarter-finals. You suffered a 3-2 defeat to the Spaniards in the league phase – what do you remember from that game?
"It was an unbelievable match. The result wasn't good for us, but now it's a knockout tie, so it's very different. Both teams will raise their level."
You scored both Dortmund goals in the game against Barcelona in December 2024 – was that something very special?
"It is of course great to score against Barcelona – they are one of the top 10 teams in the world. That shows that you're capable of scoring against the best. But every goal is important, especially in the Champions League."
Raphinha, Lewandowski and you – you're three of the top goalscorers in the Champions League. Does that mean the quarter-final will be a goal festival?
"I hope it will be a goal festival – but for us!"
We've already spoken about Lewandowski. Is he a role model for you as a a goalscorer?
"Yes, certainly – especially because of his longevity. He has had a great career, is 36 years old and is still one of the best goalscorers in La Liga. That shows his level. He is a great player – everyone knows that. He does not have anything to prove."
What do you believe his secret is?
"I think it's hard work. He works hard, is always quick – so hard work, care, regeneration, nutrition. It all counts."
Barcelona have not yet lost a single game this year. They have won 11 of their last 12 matches.
"The numbers speak for themselves. They're a great team and in top form. But we're focusing on ourselves, on BVB – and want to play the best game possible."
What is the mood in the team like prior to the quarter-final? And what does it mean to you to play a game like this?
"Like any footballer: you live for special moments like this. Many in the team have already played in a Champions League final – they want to experience it again. And that's precisely why you play football: to experience special matches like this, like a quarter-final. We're all very motivated to win the match."