BVB, news and rumours - "Because I didn't want that": Nico Schlotterbeck concealed his fitness state

Fabio Silva is flourishing at Borussia Dortmund right now - thanks in part to a team-mate. Nico Schlotterbeck speaks about the secrecy surrounding his comeback. News and rumours about Borussia Dortmund.

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BVB, news: Fabio Silva explains celebration with Felix Nmecha

Fabio Silva flirted with a Borussia Dortmund exit until the end of the transfer window. He stayed, and his form has clearly picked up since then. He has four goals in five competitive matches so far.

In the 3-0 win against Paderborn, Silva, who was not used as a substitute for the first time this season, scored the early opener for 1-0. He then ran straight to the bench and into the arms of Felix Nmecha. The striker explained after the game why he did that.

"Because in football - and in life - things are not always easy. Last season and also at the start of this campaign there was a lot of fuss around me," said Silva, before adding: "He kept coming up to me and trying to push me so that I improved and focused on the things that I can influence myself."

Scepticism around the club was high when the striker initially failed to meet expectations. Public criticism and fluctuating playing time shaped Silva's first months. During that spell, Nmecha took on the role of encourager.

"He kept telling me that I can make the difference. He is one of my best friends in the squad and has helped me a lot. Not only after this game - I always went to him after earlier matches as well, when things had gone well, and said: thank you for helping me so much."

One thing is certain for Silva: the current upturn is closely linked to Nmecha's support: "He is one of the people who really contributed to me being able to experience this moment. And if I now find myself in such a situation, then that is also down to him."

BVB, news: Nico Schlotterbeck kept his fitness a secret

Nico Schlotterbeck marked his return to the starting line-up in the 3-0 win against SC Paderborn. His comeback came as a surprise to the public. Only after the final whistle did the defender explain the background to Sky .

He said he had deliberately asked for the progress of the past few days not to be made public so that he could work on his form in peace. A clear agreement with the club also helped keep everything under wraps.

"We simply have not communicated that much yet because I did not want that," revealed the Germany international. He had "already returned to training a week ago".

Schlotterbeck also made clear how heavily the spell out had weighed on him. "Football is an adrenaline addiction. I missed it enormously, it was a serious injury," explained Schlotterbeck. "But I'm happy to be back now."

The defender played almost 80 minutes against the promoted side before being substituted. Speaking to DAZN about his fitness, he said: "I felt good, we played a decent game, so I'm pleased. At the end, for the first time in my career, I was actually a bit exhausted and had to come off."

BVB, news: Will Nico Schlotterbeck already be called up by Jürgen Klopp? Ole Book clears things up

Borussia Dortmund are in direct contact with the DFB over a call-up for Nico Schlotterbeck for the upcoming international block, as BVB sporting director Ole Book confirmed after the duel against Paderborn. Germany head coach Jürgen Klopp will announce his first squad for the upcoming Nations League matches on 17 September.

"Of course we have spoken with the DFB and with Jürgen Klopp. But what exactly comes of it, we will see, or you will see then," said Book.

Given the physical strain and the defender's individual load management, a gradual reintegration or a precautionary rest for the upcoming tasks is under consideration.

Germany's Nations League programme begins on 24 September with the away match in the Netherlands. That is followed by the two home games against Greece and Serbia before the international block ends with an away match in Greece.

BVB, news: Julian Brandt scores wonder goal for Ajax Amsterdam

With a brilliant individual effort, former Dortmund man Julian Brandt set Ajax Amsterdam on their way to a comprehensive 5-1 away win at Fortuna Sittard on matchday six of the Eredivisie. The German new signing scored the opener in the 35th minute and paved the way for the record champions' success.

After a failed defensive action by the hosts, Brandt controlled the ball on his chest as it bounced back towards the edge of the penalty area. The attacking midfielder then hit it first time with his left foot and thundered it unstoppably into the corner.

It was already the 30-year-old's second league goal in the shirt of the traditional Amsterdam club, and he now has four goals in nine competitive matches overall. Brandt moved to Amsterdam on a free transfer in the summer after his contract at BVB was not extended following seven years.

Thanks to the emphatic win, Ajax move up to fifth in the Eredivisie table.

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