Borussia Dortmund’s coach and sporting director have praised England winger Jadon Sancho after his goal secured a 2-1 victory over Werder Bremen on Saturday. The win kept Dortmund in fourth place and set them up for next season’s Champions League campaign, with Sancho’s first goal since returning from a loan spell at Manchester United in January setting the stage. Sancho dribbled home from the left wing before finishing with a trademark solo strike that was reminiscent of his peak days at Dortmund three years ago.

“Doing things like this, you can certainly see what a great footballer he is,” Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl said of Sancho.

The goal gave Dortmund a 2-0 lead, but the visitors soon lost Marcel Sabitzer to a straight red card and held on for half-time to secure a 2-1 win.

This is his first goal in eight games since returning to the team and his first goal for Dortmund in 1031 days since May 2021.

Kyle, who played a key role in bringing Sancho back to the club on loan until the summer, said the 23-year-old’s hard work has “paid off”.

“You can see how he works, especially in one-on-one situations.”

Before Saturday, Sancho had provided two assists since returning in January.

“Everyone is happy for Jayden because they see how hard he works and how willing he is to help the team.

“Goals will help. He’s had one or two assists before but this goal will help him and give him motivation.”

Sancho has barely played this season after falling out with United manager Erik ten Hag, who did not allow him to train with the first-team squad.

Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic, who was interim manager when the Black and Yellows won the DFB-Pokal in 2021 thanks to Sancho’s two goals, praised the winger.

“This is an example of his ability and hopefully he can continue like this.

“He doesn’t limit himself to just scoring goals – that’s what he’s all about.

“We know he’s not 100 percent yet and there’s no way he’s going to get back to 100 percent (after a long break). But we’ll get him back there.”

Kyle likened Sancho’s return to a player coming back from injury and said Dortmund will need the winger when they face PSV Eindhoven at home in the Champions League last 16 second leg on Wednesday.

“You shouldn’t forget that he hasn’t played for a long time. It’s like a player with a cruciate ligament injury and being out for a long time.

“We need him and we will need him again on Wednesday and in the coming weeks.”

Dortmund drew 1-1 in the first leg in the Netherlands and need a win to ensure promotion to the quarter-finals.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)