Stoeger grappling with Aubameyang conundrum

Peter Stoeger will need to draw on all the man management skills for which he is famed as he attempts to pull Borussia Dortmund out of its current precarious predicament.

Having replaced the fired Peter Bosz as coach of the 2012 German champion on Dec 10, the Austrian is facing possibly the biggest challenge of his career as he attempts to ease tensions surrounding the club's superstar Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Despite a 2-1 German Cup defeat to old rival Bayern Munich, the 51-year-old, who was sacked by Cologne earlier this month, appears to be already working his magic.

The atmosphere at the club has improved thanks to two Bundesliga victories since his appointment－a 2-0 win at Mainz and a 2-1 home triumph over Hoffenheim.

The mood of Aubameyang also appears to be lifting, with the unsettled Gabon international celebrating his goal against Hoffenheim with a smile.

Whether his goals are enough to appease Dortmund, however, remains to be seen.

Sporting director Michael Zorc recently admitted that Aubemayang's repeated lateness for training is a problem, although CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke this week excluded a possible departure for the striker in the winter break.

"Aubameyang will be part of our team after the winter break," Watzke told German media.

"He is a vital part of our plans as he has a long contract. He might leave one day, but for now he is an essential performer for our team."

Aubameyang is Dortmund's star turn, with 31 Bundesliga goals last season and 13 in 15 games so far this term.

However, he was suspended for a game last month for disciplinary reasons and his poor time-keeping is an issue club bosses are struggling to resolve.

And while Stoeger has been talking up Aubameyang's capacity for teamwork, Zorc is keen to sort out the player's tardiness.

"We have only one problem with him－that is punctuality," Zorc told a German TV show.

"This crept in last year. He often arrived too late as players are expected to be around one hour before training."

Zorc said he does not believe Dortmund can "completely get rid of the problem", but "can handle it fine", adding: "Auba is a particular player. He is an extravagant and colorful character. That is something a city like Dortmund is benefitting from."

Zorc believes Stoeger is the right man to deal with Aubameyang's character because he managed to get along so well with Cologne rogue Anthony Modeste.

And if training remains an issue, Aubameyang is at least firing on match days, with Stoeger's tactical changes affording him more space up front.

The rest of the squad appear on board with the new approach too.

"The new tactics give us stability and confidence," midfielder Christian Pulisic stressed.

"The spirit of the team is improving, we are happy about the turnaround," Watzke said.

Now the focus for Dortmund, which is third in the Bundesliga and trails leader Bayern by 13 points, is qualifying for next season's Champions League.

Stoeger's management of Aubemayang will be key to their chances of achieving that.