By Oliver Trust

BERLIN, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Considering the past years, the German Classico didn't turn out to be a happy case for Borussia Dortmund which is noted in the national leagues' history-books with five defeats out of the last five games, including a shattering goal record of 3-22.

The deep wounds of the 5-0 defeat last April haven't yet fully healed not to speak about the previous games when Bayern crushed its national rival by 5-1, 4-1 and 6-0.

Ahead of this season's delicate duel against the Bavarian side this Saturday evening, hopes are growing among the 2012 German Champion to this time turn things to good. Not only can Dortmund count on a one-point lead but the quality of Mats Hummels.

The former German international returned to Dortmund last summer after three years with Bayern Munich for 30.5 million euros. The 30-year-old is expected to solve the defense problems and provide leadership qualities to lift the side to a new level.

The 70-times capped is speaking about the Classico as a mental case. Hummels' statements seem a perfect learning-book. "He can report about the other side's determination as a witness," Michael Zorc commented.

The managing director added: "We have play men's football this time."

Meanwhile, Hummels must have told the story of a crucial moment back in April with him in Bayern's shirt about a thousand times. Right before kick-off in the players' tunnel, he had the impression "we are going to win this game; they don't have the confidence to beat us."

As he changed shirts, the defender's advice seems clear: "We must not allow them to have this feeling again."

At the same time, he seems aware of his key-role as he is expected to set a good example.

When leaving Bayern and joining Dortmund, he was convinced, "Dortmund's squad has a lot of quality but might need a player of my type." Hummels' latest performances in the Bundesliga as well as in the Champions League were on the highest level. The defender was praised as the country's best central.

Due to an injury crisis, his return to the German national team has become a realistic scenario. Not for this year's internationals against Belarus and Northern Ireland but possibly next year, when the team of national coach Joachim Loew is approaching the 2020 European Championships.

German national team manager Oliver Bierhoff indicated doors might open again for Hummels. Loew last summer announced to exclude the Dortmund defender next to the countries 2014 World Cup heroes Thomas Mueller and Jerome Boateng from his squad to make way for a younger generation.

While former Premier-League performer Jadon Sancho' and German international Marco Reus' participation in the Munich arena is doubtful, it's on Hummels to do an essential job for his new club.

Hummels is seen as a decisive factor by Hans-Joachim Watzke. The Borussia CEO is convinced, "we will be prepared much better than last time."

The experienced defender is changing "a lot because one of Munich's best out of the game in April is now in our shirt," Watzke added.

The Dortmund official claims his side has gained stability with Hummels "as he is the country's best central, everyone can see that. With him we won't act as naive as last time."

Hummels said the German Classico is always an exciting issue, and Saturday's clash is a very special issue for him. "This time, we have to fight back as Dortmund didn't last time," he emphasized. Enditem

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