An unusual episode accompanied Borussia Dortmund’s victory away to Sabah. Instead of going to the dressing rooms to shower after the match, the German side’s players boarded the team bus in their match kits and headed for the hotel.
According to reports in German media, particularly the newspaper Bild, the decision was linked to concerns about the hygiene of the water system at the stadium. Specifically, the suspicions involved the possible presence of the Legionella bacterium, which can develop in water systems and be transmitted through inhaling contaminated droplets.
However, Dortmund’s sporting director, Ole Book, tried to downplay the issue, offering a simpler explanation for the club’s decision.
“The showers at the hotel were simply better. We made sure the players got there as quickly as possible. The showers at the stadium weren’t as comfortable,” he stated.
The Germans’ decision also caused surprise in the home team’s camp. Joy-Lance Mickels, a Sabah footballer, expressed his surprise at this situation.
“I don’t know what the problem is. I don’t want to imply anything against Dortmund, but we showered here last week, before the match with Slavia Prague. The showers are very good and the water isn’t even cold,” he said.