Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp expressed his displeasure at the timing of the Mario Gotze-Bayern Munich transfer, but insisted his side would be ready to face Real Madrid in the Champions League semifinal first leg.
Just a day prior to the crucial clash with Real, Bayern confirmed the signing of Gotze, after triggering his release clause, and Klopp was clearly not happy with the news.
"On a scale of one to ten (news of Gotze's transfer on the eve of the game) would be a nine," Klopp told reporters. "The only way the timing could have been worse would have been if it came four hours before the match.
"I learned last night at ten that it was going public. I heard about this (about the transfer) on Thursday after the Malaga return leg -- I had one day to be happy about that result.
"The release clause was there and we must not forget that a little more than a year ago we used a buy-out clause to sign Marco Reus from Gladbach. They were not too happy either.
"Gotze knows he owes a lot to the club, but he gave a lot back as well. I have spoken to a few players, but nobody has to fear that we are not fully focused."
Klopp called on the home crowd at the Westfalenstadion to keep all the negativity over the Gotze transfer behind them and support the side.
"Everyone should support the team tomorrow (Wednesday), no matter what -- Real Madrid cannot capitalise on this," Klopp added. "If someone does not understand how much heart has gone into getting this far, they should not come.
"Those who understand will support the team unconditionally. Our fans have reacted extremely well in extreme situations in the past. I think that will be the case again."
Dortmund have Mats Hummels back from an extended injury-enforced absence, while Robert Lewandowski, Sven Bender and Sebastian Kehl are expected to overcome their knocks.
Real Madrid will be without Alvaro Arbeloa, who is suspended, and Marcelo, who picked up an injury at the weekend.
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Expected lineups: Borussia Dortmund: Weidenfeller; Piszczek, Hummels, Subotic, Schmelzer; Gundogan, Bender; Reus, Gotze, Groskreutz; Lewandowski.
Real Madrid: Diego Lopez; Ramos, Varane, Pepe, Coentrao; Khedira, Alonso; Di Maria, Ozil, Ronaldo; Higuain.
Prediction: 1-1
