Kagawa: I'll struggle without Klopp

The midfielder is anticipating a difficult season next term, just as he did in his second campaign at Manchester United after the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Shinji Kagawa says life at Borussia Dortmund will be difficult for him without Jurgen Klopp, just as it was at Manchester United following Sir Alex Ferguson's exit.

The Dortmund boss signed Kagawa from Japanese club Cerezo Osaka in 2010 and made him a key part of BVB's Bundesliga-winning sides of 2011 and 2012.

The 26-year-old then left for United after winning his second league title in Germany, only for Klopp to bring him back to Signal Iduna Park following a disappointing spell at Old Trafford.

Kagawa showed glimpses of promise in his first season in England but didn't score a single goal last season as David Moyes left him on the bench for much of the campaign.

And with Klopp set to depart Dortmund this summer, Kagawa fears he will struggle without his long-time mentor.

"A new boss is coming, that means it is difficult for me like it was in Manchester," Kagawa said.

"But the most important thing is to trust each other and set the same goals, then go forward in the same direction and work together.

"We have to work hard before the season starts. That's the only thing we can do. We must have the same target and believe in him, I'll do my best."

The Japan international has scored just five times in 30 appearances in all competitions since rejoining the club last summer and admits he is unhappy with his performances.

"It was a very difficult season because I wasn't able to play well consistently, neither was the team," Kagawa added.

"I have struggled through the season but towards the end of the season we have been able to get some wins.

"So as a team, it's clear we are getting better. Personally, I can't be happy with my performance because I didn't score much."

Dortmund are fighting for a spot in next season's Europa League and sit two points behind sixth-placed Schalke with two games to play.

Klopp's men can also seal a European place by beating Wolfsburg in the DFB Pokal final on May 30, but a loss would render their current standing in seventh as a Europa League ticket.

Dortmund travel to Wolfsburg in the league on Saturday in a dress rehearsal of their cup final and Kagawa is expecting a unique challenge.

"Playing against the same team twice in a short period will be difficult, despite the fact it's two different tournaments.

"They are two very important matches.

"The boss has said they are different games and firstly we have to prepare well to get the three points on Saturday.

"We are thinking of that now rather than the DFB Pokal final."