Spurs must show Champions League credentials against Dortmund

Last updated : 10 March 2016 By Footymad

Spurs face the German giants at the Westfalenstadion in the Europa League last 16 and it is the first time the two clubs have ever met in a competitive match.

Dortmund reached the Champions League final three years ago and are enjoying another excellent season in the Bundesliga, where they sit second, five points behind Bayern Munich.

Mauricio Pochettino's side are second in the Barclays Premier League, as they chase a first league title since 1961, and Wimmer believes Spurs can make a statement this week about their European credentials.

"Tottenham against Dortmund could easily be a Champions League game - it's a big opportunity for us to see where we are at the moment," Wimmer said.

"We are trying to improve all the time and this is a chance for us to show Europe we are a very good team.

"I think we have a very good squad with a lot of talented players. Everybody is hungry to play every game and show that he can play."

Wimmer is no stranger to German football, having moved to White Hart Lane last summer from Cologne, where he made 32 league appearances last season.

The Austrian centre-half is now a regular in the Tottenham backline after Jan Vertonghen was sidelined with a knee injury, and he has impressed, striking a strong partnership along Toby Alderweireld.

"I played for a year in the Bundesliga but the intensity in England is amazing, much higher than in Germany and it is more attractive for me to play in England," Wimmer said.

"It's always nice feeling to come back to Germany. I've been looking forward to this game. Every player was happy when we saw the draw. Dortmund are a very good team but this is a good opportunity to show our quality."

Source: PA