Stand: November 3rd, 2024, 1:21 p.m
Von: Lars Pollmann
PressSplit
Coach Nuri Şahin led Borussia Dortmund to victory against Leipzig. His secret: A tactical inspiration from ex-BVB coach Thomas Tuchel.
Dortmund – Borussia Dortmund found itself in a precarious position after three consecutive defeats. Before the Bundesliga top game against RB Leipzig on Saturday evening, thoughts about a possible change of coach were not too far-fetched. But Nuri Şahin was able to achieve an extremely important victory.
BVB’s 2-1 win against Leipzig was more than deserved and could have been clearer. Despite significant personnel problems, Dortmund showed superiority in the crucial aspects of the game and put in a very passionate performance. This speaks for Şahin and his standing in the team. The head coach revealed that he was inspired tactically by a former BVB coach.
Nuri Şahin prepared early for a coaching career
Şahin did not organize his team with a double six as before, but instead positioned Felix Nmecha as the only force in front of the defense. “When Thomas Tuchel was our coach, we also had this plan,” said Şahin on Sky TV after the game. “That stuck in my head. I looked at the documents again.”
Şahin, who is only 36 years old, played under star coaches such as Jürgen Klopp, José Mourinho and Tuchel during his active career and repeatedly made notes for his later career as a coach. Under Tuchel, BVB played against then-promoted Leipzig in 2016/17. Although Şahin missed both games, the preparation seemed to remain on his mind.
The trick with Felix Nmecha becomes the key to success for BVB
However, Şahin did not simply copy Tuchel’s tactics, but modified them. While Julian Weigl played as the only six against Leipzig under Tuchel, Şahin opted for Nmecha, a much more athletic and attack-minded midfielder. “It was clear to me: If we play with a six, it has to be Felix,” said Şahin.
His decision turned out to be the right one. Nmecha impressed with an excellent performance, and not just because of his assist to make it 1-1. In fact, Nmecha, who was often criticized in the preseason, is currently going through his best phase at BVB and is perhaps the biggest winner of Şahin’s work so far.
“Leipzig plays a lot via 4-2-2-2 and then there are a lot of spaces in the middle. If I turn it up, I can play the plug passes. Then we’ll move forward,” analyzed Nmecha himself. Now it’s up to him and Şahin’s entire team to confirm this performance: Before the international break there is the Champions League game against Sturm Graz on Tuesday and an away game on Saturday Bundesliga against Mainz 05.
