Terzic of Dortmund speaks on crucial clash with Mainz

COLOGNE – Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic is trying to treat this week like every other – even though his side are on the cusp of a first Bundesliga title since 2012.

The hosts will be crowned champions if they beat Mainz in Saturday’s season finale, or if they match second-placed Bayern Munich’s result at Cologne. Bayern have won the last 10 titles.

“Of course, it is a very special week for us. But still, the key is not to do anything special. It’s not about demanding extraordinary things,” Terzic told a news conference on Thursday.

“We must not let it get to us too much. The pitch is just as big as last week. And the ball is just as round as last week.”

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Dortmund, whose last of eight Bundesliga triumphs came under Jürgen Klopp, have a two-point lead over Bayern as Terzic eyes the title in his very first season as a permanent head coach.

“We are not there yet, but we are ready. As a team, as a club, as a city. We want to crown our journey with a win on Saturday,” he said, adding a note of caution.

“Mainz’s strengths are clearly recognizable. They are one of the fittest teams in the league and play in a very mature way.”

However, mid-table Mainz have nothing to play for.