With his side languishing in the relegation zone on 27 points, two from safety, Von Heesen was asked at a press conference why he had not considered making changes against Arminia Bielefeld - a match which Nurnberg drew 2-2 after being two goals up.

"I am sick of such idiotic questions," he said, slamming his fist onto a desk.

"Someone who has never coached a Bundesliga team before should not be allowed to ask questions about incorrect substitutions.

"As long as I am responsible here, I do not have to justify myself for anything to anybody. I make the decisions here, nobody else.

"How stupid can you be to demand substitutions when you are 2-0 up at half-time?

"I am focusing all my efforts only on the team and not on such idiotic questions."

Fellow relegation strugglers Hansa Rostock and Duisburg are below on 27 and 26 points respectively, and Von Heesen knows a result against Dortmund is crucial.

"Our task is to get three points," he added. "If we can avoid the mistakes we have made recently, then we can win."

Midfielder Zvjezdan Misimovic returns to the Nurnberg squad.

Dortmund midfielder Sebastian Kehl has resumed light training but it remains to be seen whether he will be able to play before the end of the season.

Coach Thomas Doll said: "He has got to lose all pain and be able to train fully with the ball again."