Rarely in recent memory has Borussia Dortmund gone into a Bundesliga game as a more blatant underdog. The last team will more or less have to judge against RB Leipzig this evening (6:30 p.m.). Numerous stars are out, so the starting position could hardly be worse for BVB coach Nuri Sahin.
It continues below the ad
“We have presented a plan, we will have a good first eleven. You have to fix it.”said the 36-year-old at yesterday’s press conference. The problem: That plan hardly ever worked in the past few weeks. Especially not when the opponent showed a high level of intensity when playing against the ball. And that’s exactly what Marco Rose’s team stands for in general, but especially these days.
If an opponent gives Dortmund more space, like Real Madrid did in the first half, the black and yellow are definitely in a position to show their class. However, the plan against a closed defensive line, whether positioned high or low, coupled with robust duel leadership has not yet been apparent.
It continues below the ad
In the Bundesliga we’re going to Mainz
And if you look at the other opponents, it promises to be only slightly less intense. Sturm Graz in the Champions League on Tuesday (9 p.m.) should at least not press too hard, but will certainly appear very compact. A few days later in Mainz, the next hot dance awaits Sahin’s team. After all, Bo Henriksen’s team comes first and foremost through physicality.
Afterwards it is important to take stock again. Sahin’s chair isn’t wobbling at the moment, but things could look completely different in almost exactly a week.
Belgium
