Borussia Dortmund have undergone massive changes in the last few years after the sale of several important players like Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski. In order to replace those important names, the club brought in players like Adrian Ramos and Ciro Immobile in the summer. It is estimated that the club parted with around € 10 million for Immobile, while Ramos has been brought in for an undisclosed fee. It is well estimated that both these players have together cost more than € 20 million. Dortmund scored just over a  goal per game this season.

Apart from moments of brilliance like that against Arsenal a few weeks ago, they have been struggling in the German Bundesliga. This has led to speculation that Dortmund may look to reinvest in the squad during the January transfer window. The club’s CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke, however, says that the two players will eventually come good for the club. Immobile has scored three goals in eight appearances, while Ramos has fared slightly better by scoring five in 10 matches. Dortmund, as a whole, have been struggling this season, and they are in the bottom of the table after seven matches.

They have managed only two wins during this period, which has threatened to bring an end to Jurgen Klopp’s brilliant reign at the club. “The future will show whether Immobile and Ramos are right for Dortmund. It’s too soon to judge them now. And let’s not forget that they have already scored 15 goals in official games together with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. That’s a good return. Lucas Barrios and Robert Lewandowski initially struggled as well when they joined Dortmund. It wouldn’t be normal to expect a new signing to fit in perfectly within six weeks. We play a different game than what they were used to,” said Watzke.

Schalke will be coming up against Chelsea in the first Champions League group match of the season. This is seen as an easy group for the 2012 European champions, as they will be up against lesser teams like Sporting CP and Danish outfit Maribor in their quest to reach the knockout stages. Schalke will be the favourites to finish second behind Chelsea. The first match for the German club will be at Stamford Bridge and this is already proving to be a difficult match. Schalke go into the encounter knowing that Chelsea have just scored 15 goals in the opening four matches.

Much of the attacking threat has come from Diego Costa, who has had a fantastic start to his Chelsea career by scoring seven goals in just four matches. However, Schalke defender Dennis Aogo says that his team will be making a big mistake if they consider Costa as the only threat within this Chelsea team. Even though Costa has been a major goal scorer, the English club have also secured goals from the likes of Eden Hazard and Andre Schurrle. Cesc Fabregas is proving to be a major addition in the centre of midfield as he has already contributed six assists.

Aogo’s Schalke come into the match after having just lost 4-1 to Borussia Mönchengladbach. “In Germany we have seen [Diego Costa] has had a great start to the season, but it’s not just him. The whole team is playing very well and they are not top of the Premier League for nothing. We are a playing against some of the best players in the world here so we don’t need any extra motivation. Who is to say that we won’t have a great day and compete at the highest level,” said Aogo. After three matches in the Bundesliga, Schalke are to get a win.

The Blaugrana striker Pedro reckons that Cesc Fabregas’ arrival has made Chelsea’s midfield immensely strong and they would be a team to watch out for in the European Cup next season.

The Blues have spent a big amount of 27 million Pounds to bring Fabregas at Stamford Bridge and according to Pedro, that’s going to benefit them a lot.

Talking to the reporters yesterday, Pedro said, “Cesc is all class. He’s a tremendous playmaker. As a striker, you want a player like him in the XI because you know if he is around, you are always going to get scoring opportunities.”

“We are close buddies. Apart from Barcelona, we have played alongside each other for Spain as well. I think he is going to make Chelsea a very strong side.”

Pedro also said that the punishment that has been imposed on the club’s new signing Luis Suarez seems to be a bit harsh and the officials are trying to get it a bit softened.

When asked about Suarez, the 27-year Old Spaniard said, “It (the punishment) looks like a little too harsh. We are looking into it. But, in case we don’t get any relief, we will have to wait for the ban period to get over.”

“Luis’ signing is fantastic news for everybody including the fans as well as the players. He is going to get enormous support here if he performs up to his level. There are not too many better than him in the game at the moment.”

Suarez was a great hit at Liverpool scoring 69 in 110 league games. But, his behaviour there was not the best as he always remained in some sort of controversy. Barcelona definitely would want a bit of improvement from him on that front.