Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sensitive over criticism, says Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel

Borussia Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel has defended striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang against recent criticism, declaring him a "sensitive human being".

Aubameyang scored in Dortmund's 1-1 derby draw against Schalke last weekend but came under fire for a goal celebration that saw him don a superhero mask produced by his boot sponsor in an apparent PR stunt.

Club CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke vowed to hold a "difficult" conversation with the Gabon striker over the incident, while captain Marcel Schmelzer declared his actions "stupid".

But Tuchel, speaking after Aubameyang struck again in a 3-0 win over Hamburg on Tuesday, has spoken up for his player.

"Such a sensitive human being like Auba is affected when so much is said and written about him, even if he has himself to blame," Tuchel told reporters.

"We see the situation slightly different now than immediately after the game, because we have some more information now.

"We were informed the day before that he had planned something in case he scored, but we did not know any details. The people in charge have already had their say on the matter. There will be further discussions, but I can afford to solely focus on the football side of things.

"Of course, this makes things slightly more complicated. There is a conflict of interests between what's best for the players and for the club.

"He would not be the first player who got influenced from the outside. But we cannot doubt his character. You can have a critical chat with him and he understands the club's view."

Schmelzer had earlier told German newspaper Bild: "We thought within the team that he'd come up with something for the derby, but the way it happened is, of course, stupid. No one had a clue.

"It's important that we don't lose the 'we' feeling and Auba knows that 100 per cent."