Borussia Dortmund coach Peter Stoger is not worried Michy Batshuayi might be priced out of a permanent move to the club if his goal-scoring form continues.
Dortmund snapped up Batshuayi on a six-month loan but without an option to buy, and he has since gone on to score five goals in three matches and has had a hand in all three other goals the club have scored in those games.
Batshuayi, 24, scored twice in Thursday night’s 3-2 Europa League win over Atalanta — including the 91st-minute winner. He said after the game that he’s not concerned about his future while trying to do his best with his new club.
Speaking at his prematch news conference ahead of Sunday’s trip to Borussia Monchengladbach, Dortmund coach Stoger, also under contract until the end of the season, said he’s not worried about Batshuayi’s price tag.
“Every wasted chance would lead to much bigger problems,” Stoger said, adding that the Chelsea attacker “is ideal for our style of play.”
“He’s dangerous in the box, works hard in defence. He’s a different player than [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang. It’s difficult to play against him. He’s got a good goal rate, but Auba had that too. I’ve not forgotten how good he was, he’d also have found his place on the team.”
Batshuayi’s arrival has also led to a revival for winger Andre Schurrle, the Germany international who appeared to be on his way out of the Westfalenstadion in January but has provided crucial goals recently.
“I did nothing. He’s an extraordinary player who has gone through a difficult spell,” Stoger said. “He wasn’t always fit, and regardless always had to meet high expectations. I talked to him two or three times and told him I’ll put my trust in him and he can show his qualities.”
Dortmund make the trip to Borussia Park on Sunday, where Gladbach have not scored in three consecutive defeats in recent weeks.
Sitting 10th in the Bundesliga, the Foals trail third-placed Dortmund by six points, and must avoid defeat at all costs to remain in contention for a Champions League spot.
“It’s a match for us where we can open the gap on Gladbach even more,” said Stoger, who has been tasked with securing a Champions League spot for BVB.
Stephan Uersfeld is the Germany correspondent for ESPN FC. Follow him on Twitter @uersfeld.