Reactions to the 1-1 draw in Freiburg: "The red card was a game changer" | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund was unable to decisively capitalize on the slip-up by FC Bayern Munich (2-2 against 1. FSV Mainz 05) and the defeat of RB Leipzig (1-3 at 1. FC Union Berlin). Instead of gaining ground on the two rivals, BVB themselves could not get past a 1-1 draw at SC Freiburg.

There was consensus in the BVB camp that, after taking the lead, the red card for Jobe Bellingham—for which Gregor Kobel took responsibility—shortly after the break was the turning point as to why they couldn't secure all three points. “With eleven men, we controlled the game very well, and I am convinced we would have won it with eleven players. The red card in the 53rd minute was a game changer, and after that, it was a different match,” was the clear summary from sporting director Sebastian Kehl, who also wished for more cleverness even with one man down: “Freiburg deserved this point in the end. Of course, you should try to have a bit more ball control even when outnumbered, to relieve pressure, and to hold the ball up front.”

Kovac can “live with the draw”

Coach Niko Kovac did not see the draw as entirely negative given the circumstances: “We played an entire half with ten men. In Freiburg—that’s a good team—you have to live with a 1-1. Of course, we’re not satisfied with the result. But if you look at how it came about, I must and can live with it.”

The BVB coach expressly refrained from assigning blame for the sending off, but did address the serious consequences: “We made life difficult for ourselves with that action. That’s football: whoever makes decisions also makes mistakes. This one cost us the game. We controlled the first half, were very solid, didn’t allow anything major. When you’re a man down, it’s difficult to play football.”

Meanwhile, Yan Couto also pointed out that a clearer lead at halftime would have been possible: “We played well in the first half. We need to try to score more goals and decide the game earlier.”

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