Borussia Dortmund head coach Thomas Tuchel has revealed his admiration for SV Darmstadt 98 ahead of Sunday's Bundesliga meeting between the two sides.
Darmstadt have lost just one of their six league games after securing promotion to the top tier of German football last season, and Tuchel is fully aware that his side will face a difficult test as they look to keep the pressure on leaders Bayern Munich.
"There is a crazy success story taking place at Darmstadt. It's the result of an extraordinary team spirit," the Dortmund boss, whose side's 100% record in all competitions ended with a 1-1 draw against Hoffenheim in midweek, told reporters.
"There is a distinct willingness to give absolutely everything for the team. There are no egos there.
"They have built on the euphoria and momentum of the last two years and are now an outsider capable of upsetting the big boys. They have the means to. That can happen in football over 90 minutes."
Dortmund and Darmstadt have not met in a competitive fixture since 1982.
Callum Mulvihill
