Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp has branded fears over a summer exodus at his side "absurd" as he looks to build a team capable of reclaiming the Bundesliga title next season.
Mario Gotze and Felipe Santana have already agreed to join Bayern Munich and Schalke respectively, with star striker Robert Lewandowski also tipped to join Pep Guardiola in Bavaria next season.
Klopp believes that despite changes in personnel, Dortmund will be equipped to complete with Bayern thanks to a strong core of exciting talent at the Westfalenstadion.
He told Bild: "I've read that we are facing the most difficult season. This thesis I find absurd because we have such a great quality and a strong base.
"There will of course be a few changes, one or the other will leave us. But upheaval is the wrong word, it's just a change, and we intend to use it to our advantage. I'm pretty positive.
"We want to qualify for the Champions League again but it will not be easy. Bayer Leverkusen and Schalke want to take the next step."
Dortmund completed their first summer signing in the past 48 hours after agreeing a deal with Werder Bremen for Greek defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos.
Liam Power
