'If you're in pain, then go through the pain'

May 30, 2026 - 21:12

Borussia Dortmund's captain has spoken openly about the deep disappointment following the team's loss in the Champions League final. In a raw and honest reflection, he acknowledged the difficulty of processing the defeat, especially given the historic nature of the achievement.

"We haven't done it for 22 years, so imagine the second time in our history that we have done it," he said. "We need to recognise the season we had, but at the moment nobody is going to take the pain away from you."

The player did not shy away from the emotional toll of the loss, offering a blunt piece of advice for anyone struggling with similar heartbreak. "If you're in pain, then go through the pain," he stated. His words captured the somber mood in the dressing room, where the focus has shifted from celebration to processing a missed opportunity.

Despite the heartache, the captain stressed the importance of acknowledging the team's journey. Reaching the final for only the second time in club history was a monumental achievement, yet the immediate sting of defeat overshadowed any sense of accomplishment. For now, the squad must sit with the disappointment before they can fully appreciate what they built over the course of the season.