Nuri Sahin and his greatest success to date – a protocol

Nuri Sahin didn’t think it was necessary to talk about himself. Borussia Dortmund’s coach was asked how he managed to instill new faith in his team after three recent defeats following the 2-1 win against RB Leipzig, which put an end to BVB’s decline, at least for the moment. Oh, faith, said Sahin: “Even if we lose seven times in a row – I believe in this team, and the boys believe in themselves.” The young coach remained humble and decided against the win against second-placed Dortmund after the best Bundesliga -To claim the performance of the season as a personal triumph. That’s what he was. The biggest so far in Sahin’s short time in office.

The 36-year-old former professional has been in charge of BVB since this season, and before the meeting with Leipzig he experienced the first crisis of his career as Borussia coach. After a changeable start to the season and most recently defeats in the Champions League at Real Madrid (2:5), in the Bundesliga at FC Augsburg (1:2) and in the cup at VfL Wolfsburg (0:1 after extra time), Sahin is from accompanied by public doubts about his suitability for the job at Germany’s second largest club. If the game against RB had also been lost, Dortmund would have had to prepare for a coaching debate that they would not have been able to get rid of so quickly. And the signals weren’t pointing to success, because BVB is plagued by an epic injury misery. Sahin was missing ten players in what was probably his most important game to date.

One can resign in view of these conditions, but the coach had decreed that there would be no resignation at BVB. Sahin’s appearance on the sidelines fit this requirement. He watched the game against Leipzig completely standing up, rarely hiding under the roof of the dugout. He applauded after every missed chance, and his team missed many chances. Instead of arguing, Sahin sent positive signals. You could always tell that his active career wasn’t that long ago. When Dortmund crosses, Sahin moved his upper body forward as if he wanted to head the ball. After a physical attack by Julian Brandt in midfield, Sahin raised his hands apologetically – as if he himself had brought down a Leipzig player.

Active BVB coach – and a strategist

Sahin was extremely active. He showed his players where they had to run, where there was a free passing path. He didn’t seem hectic or stubborn, but matter-of-fact and calm. He is obviously not a coach who coaches for the camera or encourages the audience like Jürgen Klopp once did. Sahin only really let himself out once against Leipzig. He acknowledged the first goal by Maximilian Beier to make it 1-1 relatively calmly. After Serhou Guirassy made it 2-1, he ran towards the halfway line and jumped into the air. It is possible that at this moment the tension of the past few days fell away from him.

Sahin reacted to the final whistle without a triumphant gesture. He clenched his fist, shook hands with his Leipzig colleague Marco Rose and mentally celebrated the victory. Sahin knew there was no reason to be exuberant. BVB’s fluctuations in performance are legendary. The current season is characterized by alternating between decent (in our own stadium) and devastating (away) performances. But the convincing victory with an emergency squad over second-placed Leipzig is a success for Sahin. Especially since the result came about through a tactical trick on the part of the coach. Dortmund played with just one defensive midfielder (Felix Nmecha) instead of the usual two. According to his own statement, Sahin was inspired by the performances against RB under the former Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel. After the recent depressing games, Sahin distinguished himself as a strategist against Leipzig.

At the end of the evening, even the things that didn’t work made the coach feel good. Why Dortmund didn’t score more than two goals, the chances were there, was asked Sky-Expert Lothar Matthäus. “I have no idea, to be honest,” said Sahin – and laughed. So he can still do that after the first crisis of his term in office.

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