"Flip the switch": Hamann urges BVB striker Guirassy to turn things around | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund missed out on direct qualification for the Champions League and must now take the detour through the playoffs. Expert Dietmar Hamann is calling above all for a clear improvement in performance from striker Serhou Guirassy.

After the end of the group stage in the Champions League, Dietmar Hamann offers a nuanced assessment of Borussia Dortmund’s performance. The 2-0 defeat to Inter Milan in the final match meant that BVB only finished in 17th place and must now take the detour through the playoffs, but the TV expert sees no reason to panic overall.

“I wouldn’t overrate Dortmund’s defeat against a very experienced and streetwise Inter,” wrote Hamann. In his view, Dortmund had already squandered their decisive chance for a direct spot among the top eight earlier on—especially due to the missed result in Tottenham.

All in all, Hamann’s interim conclusion is still decent. “More would have been possible, but overall BVB presented themselves well in the Champions League,” said the former international. However, for the knockout phase, this is only the foundation: “If they want to progress another round or two, Dortmund will have to improve.”

Champions League: BVB faces Atalanta Bergamo in the playoffs

The focus of his analysis is especially on Serhou Guirassy. While the striker shone as the competition’s most prolific scorer last season, he managed only three goals in the current group stage. Hamann emphasizes that Dortmund overall did not create many clear chances, but at the same time points to Guirassy’s former efficiency. In his view, the current goal drought is mainly a mental issue. “His scoring drought is probably a mental thing,” writes Hamann about the 29-year-old, adding: “One can only hope he’ll be able to flip the switch soon.”

Especially in tight Champions League matches, you need strikers who can capitalize on few opportunities. Hamann also sees Niko Kovac as responsible. The coach must try to rebuild Guirassy and restore his confidence. Because for the upcoming playoffs, the expert is clear: Without goals from their top striker, it will be difficult to progress further.

In the playoffs, BVB will now face Atalanta Bergamo. Hamann’s prediction is clear: Dortmund will “need a goal from their striker now and then” in these matches—and a Guirassy who regains his former scoring prowess in time.

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