Dortmund defender, Hummels admits his side are too quite on the pitch and “need to wake up”

Mats Hummels has claimed that Borussia Dortmund players are sometimes too cold on the field and “have to be woken up a bit” so that they will be able to perform during games.

The German club currently sits third in the Bundesliga table, with five points behind Borussia Monchengladbach who sits first.

Dortmund have just won two out of eight league matches during the autumn, which include a 3-3 draw at home to the relegation prone Paderborn, which put head coach Lucien Favre’s job under scrutiny.

Their victory against Hertha Berlin and Fortuna Dusseldorf although reduced the pressure on Favre, but Hummels still insist there is need for improvement.

The 30-year old, while speaking to Goal and DAZN, said “We just look at our performances and they have been very changeable this season. But nothing is lost yet.”

“When we find our shape and go on a run, we can quickly get where we want to go in the table.

“It would be nice if it came like that and we are in top form when the titles are given out. Until then we have to stay up there.

“Part of us sometimes have to be woken up a bit in games. The 4-0 win against Leverkusen (in September) sounds convincing, but in fact we had big problems in the first 20 minutes.

“We sometimes go into the games and see how it works. Sometimes we flip the switch only when there is no other way. If we get that under control, we can be a top team.

“This is nothing you can change in one or two days. We have to work it out for ourselves. When you look at the training sessions, there has been a development in recent weeks; mentality, attitude and sharpness.

The Germany International as one of the most experienced Dortmund’s player admits he has a big responsibility to carryout leadership role both on and off the pitch in order to achieve a good result through improved performance.

“I will try to fill the role with life and take responsibility,” he added. “Especially on the pitch where I verbally drive, order and cheer.

“It is already an issue in our team that sometimes we are a bit quite. That is why it is very important that the leaders take the lead.

“And also, outside the pitch, you have to perform this role positively and as a role model for appointments, interviews and autograph sessions.”