Matthäus gives his winter verdict: how good is Dortmund’s season really | OneFootball

Lothar Matthäus gives a surprisingly positive assessment of Borussia Dortmund's season at the winter break. The record national player explains the grade he gives BVB and why results are more important to him than magical football.

Borussia Dortmund enters the winter break in the Bundesliga in second place – an interim result that does not silence the discussions about the playing style and development of Niko Kovac's team. While some fans and experts view the footballing approach critically, Lothar Matthäus's verdict is overall much more positive.

In his Sky column, the record national player primarily focuses on the bare results. Although BVB is not as consistent as FC Bayern, their position in the standings speaks for itself. "Dortmund is judged negatively by many, but I see it differently," writes Matthäus, pointing out that the Black and Yellows are doing well both nationally and internationally.

Indeed, Dortmund is comfortably in a Champions League spot before the winter break and has also impressed in the top European competition. Only the exit from the DFB-Pokal against Bayer Leverkusen slightly tarnishes the record – but for Matthäus, under unfortunate circumstances.

Lothar Matthäus defends BVB coach Niko Kovac

Particularly interesting is his projection for the rest of the season. If Dortmund secures four more points from the remaining first-half matches, 36 points would be possible by halftime. "If BVB gets four more points in the two remaining first-half matches, it could be 36 at halftime and 72 by the end," says Matthäus. Such a tally would most likely suffice for another runner-up finish and direct Champions League qualification.

However, the former world footballer is also clear: Aesthetic standards like those at FC Bayern should not be applied in Dortmund. "One should not expect magical football from Dortmund. That's present at Bayern, but not at BVB," he emphasizes. What is decisive is efficiency – and that has been on point so far.

Accordingly, his overall grade is: For the current season, Matthäus gives BVB a solid two. He also praises coach Niko Kovac for his calm and confident handling of internal friction. Especially during phases with personnel discussions, it becomes evident that Kovac has matured as a coach – a factor that could become important for a stable second half of the season.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.