BVB crisis
Not a contemplative Christmas for BVB in mediocre form
Borussia Dortmund is clearly lagging behind its own demands. Coach Sahin increases the pressure. The minimum goal is in danger – as is so often the case in December.
The only consistency at Borussia Dortmund is the crisis at the end of the year. BVB didn’t win a single one of the last ten games in December. If VfL Wolfsburg doesn’t finally get their first away win of the season in the last game of the year on Sunday (5:30 p.m./DAZN), there will be a little contemplative Christmas in Dortmund. Coach Nuri Sahin made that clear on Friday.
The 36-year-old made clear statements to his team: “We all have to be aware of the big club we play for. Anyone who isn’t aware of that is in the wrong place here.” And further: “Of course there have to be sporting consequences.” Finally: “Not every player has the right to be tired.”
Clear announcements from Sahin to his players
Sahin’s last statement referred to a topic that he himself had raised after the disappointing 1-1 draw against 1899 Hoffenheim last Sunday. His team’s running performance remained below average. Not for the first time this season, Sahin explained, his team had problems at the end of an English week.
The obvious fitness problem – which is of course his responsibility – should be analyzed during the short winter break. Apparently Sahin has already taken a closer look at the values. Result: Some players went beyond their limits in the weeks with many injuries. But by far not all of them.
The consequence: After three 1-1 draws in the league in a row, BVB, which by definition wants to play for the title, is only eighth in the table with 22 points from 14 games and failed early in the DFB Cup – in Wolfsburg. “Sure, it’s a fact: we have a crisis in results,” said Sahin. “We can’t be satisfied with being in eighth place in the table.”
BVB is currently only mediocre
Dortmund are already five points behind in fourth place – the minimum goal for the season by which every coach in Dortmund has to be measured. “Our first goal of the season every year is to qualify for the Champions League. And we’re not blind, we can read the table. So: Yes, reaching fourth place, that’s our homework at the moment,” said sports director Lars Ricken the “Sport Bild”.
In view of the grotesque away weakness, an “immense effort” is now required. But Sahin probably doesn’t have to worry about his job yet – even if things go wrong again in Wolfsburg. “We will only be able to overcome this challenge if everyone at BVB – every employee – pulls together,” said Ricken.
It is still unclear what will happen to sports director Sebastian Kehl. The expiring contract of the former BVB captain has not yet been extended. The imbalance in the small squad became obvious all too often in the first half of the season. When important players are unavailable, things quickly become tight.
Mentality debate reignited
In addition, BVB has been dogged by a tiresome mentality debate for years. “That’s too easy for me,” said Sahin. But now the topic comes from the team itself. “You can only get the mentality together as a team if all eleven players on the pitch think the same and don’t take themselves too seriously. To be honest, I didn’t have that impression,” said captain Emre Can after the weak performance against Hoffenheim.
dpa
Source: Stern
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
