Monaco manager Leonardo Jardim has sympathy with Dortmund over rearranged fixture

Monaco manager Leonardo Jardim had sympathy with Dortmund over the rescheduling of their Champions League clash, but says a packed fixture list played its part in the quick-fire rearrangement.

The match was moved from Tuesday night following explosions near Dortmund's team bus, which saw defender Marc Bartra receive surgery on his wrist, though Dortmund manager Thomas Tuchel admitted before the game his team needed more time to prepare themselves.

Dortmund went down 3-2 to the French side in the first leg at Signal Iduna Park, and Tuchel was unhappy after the match at the lack of consultation over the rescheduling of the game, saying the decision was made in Switzerland where UEFA are based.

Jardin understands those reservations, and said the situation was especially difficult for Dortmund.

"Maybe it should not be played today," he said. "But the calendar gave few options to be able to play the match.

"We produced a good result but it's only half-time of the quarter-final. It was obviously difficult for both teams, especially Dortmund.

"However, football must be stronger and not be taken hostage by these events. Sport reunites us."

Jardin, whose side host Dortmund in the return leg on April 19, said preparations for the game were not as good as they could have been, and that concentration was "not that high."

"There is still one game to play as I have already mentioned. And the story from yesterday will now always play a role in connection to the game we have played today.

"This is of course sort of a bad situation. However, after what has happened, the fans from both teams have dealt with it quite well and they have set a good example.

"The preparation ahead of such a game was of course different - we had to prepare us twice. Today was the second day to prepare and it was more difficult.

"The players have of course called their families and friends yesterday, and the concentration and focus was not that high.

"But in the course of the afternoon, we were more focused again and our aim was to bring the best possible performance to the pitch."

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