BERLIN: Borussia Dortmund’s rocky start to the season is part of the team’s development and a win at Augsburg in the Bundesliga on Saturday could help them get back into winning rhythm, coach Nuri Sahin said on Friday.

Dortmund will be hoping to bounce back from their frustrating 5-2 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League after trailing 2-0, and a first away league win would boost their confidence, the coach added.

“It has to work now with an away win,” Sahin told a news conference. “It’s an important match. Especially considering the standings where we have to stay in touch with the top places.

“The demands we set for ourselves require us to win away games. You cannot achieve your goals without away victories.”

Dortmund have not had back-to-back league wins so far this season and have not won any of their Bundesliga matches on the road.

Last season’s Champions League finalists dropped to seventh in the table with 13 points, four behind leaders Bayern Munich.

“Our requirement is to get the three points and finally reward ourselves on the road (Saturday),” Sahin said.

The coach was heavily criticized after Tuesday’s defeat in Spain for his tactical substitutions with his team trailing 2-0 which led to him conceding five goals in thirty minutes in the second half.

“(After Real) we have to continue working, stay clear. Every day, every match, every training is important to progress. We will continue on this path,” Sahin said.

“When you get to that flow it will be easier. We’re not there yet. It’s a little bumpy but we have to accept it. Hopefully tomorrow it will work out.”