By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, April 5 (Xinhua) -- Marco Reus continuously seems to be in a hurry these days. "Any more questions, guys?" the 29-year-old asks with a firm voice. "I need to go and meet someone special," the Dortmund striker says while a broad smile is running over his face.
It is apparent things must have changed significantly in the life of the German international since his daughter was born last weekend.
"She is moving around a lot, but is a good sleeper," the proud father said before taking off to his house in the Southern district of Dortmund to meet his girlfriend, former model Scarlett Gartmann and the couples so-called "little princess."
But its not only his private life that has seen fundamental changes but also his new role for Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund.
Reus is the "Blacks and Yellows" undisputed leader and seems to be in the shape of his lifetime. He is the team's captain - raising his voice in the locker room and talking to media when essential messages need to be spread.
In advance of the German classico against Bayern Munich this Saturday evening the striker is shifting into an attacking mode.
"We are fully focused on winning this season's title," he commented, omitting his usual cautiousness. "The winner most likely is going to win the 2018/2019 Championship," Reus underlined, adding that he is hoping it's going to be his side.
Full of confidence, he announced a party after the season to celebrate his first child's birth "after we have lifted the title trophy."
Reus' upswing is strongly connected to his coaches' tactical approach.
Swiss Lucien Favre moved the winger to the middle directly behind the front line. From that central position, Reus is starting his fast runs and conducting his side's attacks. "Right after Lucien joined us, he told us about his plans," Dortmund sports director Michael Zorc reported.
With Reus around, Dortmund's chances to score and win increase significantly. In his 22 games, he scored 15 times and delivered eight assists. Dortmund won 52 of 66 possible points with the forward. Without him, the figures dropped to only 73 percent.
The striker is Dortmund's source of inspiration.
Other than in recent years Reus remained injury-free after he had missed the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and the 2016 European Championships in France. Up to 80 percent of Borussia's supporters voted Reus, the most important performer.
The admired hero is desperate about winning his second significant national title after having achieved the 2017 German Cup. Reus said it still is in the hands of his colours mentioning "everyone feels how special this season can be for the club."
Fans are aware of the boost they can give the team not only on home soil but in away games such as the "final" this Saturday. "We are ahead of a great opportunity and we count on the support of our fans travelling to Munich," Reus underlined, adding to beat Bayern would make things easier "but won't be a final decision."
Reus is expecting a close race until the end of the season. The Dortmund-born striker said he is ready to make his contribution.
While Reus claims to be optimistic, coach Favre is forced to puzzle over his starting 11 and the team's tactics.
25-year-old Spanish spearhead Paco Alcacer (16 goals) might be sidelined due to an arm injury as the back-row performers Abdou Diallo, and Achraf Hakimi are. Alcacer is said to be replaced by Mario Goetze moving from midfield up to the front line.
