BVB’s problems go beyond lacking the quality needed in Europe | OneFootball

The chance to prove, against Serie A leaders Inter Milan, that they can indeed compete at the highest level in Europe was missed by Borussia Dortmund's team. Previously, they had lost 0-2 at Tottenham and 1-4 at Manchester City. On top of that, there are once again personnel shortages. Kicker describes this as problems “in depth and at the top”.

At the moment, it’s not enough for the very highest level. That is the sober and probably realistic conclusion from BVB’s recent Champions League matches according to Kicker. The fact that Serhou Guirassy squandered his huge scoring chance miserably may be due to his current dip in form, and it probably would have turned out differently last season. However, the fact that this was BVB’s only real scoring chance against Inter Milan over 90 minutes speaks volumes. The team lacked “offensive punch, speed, creativity, and depth in their play,” Kicker lists four areas in which Borussia Dortmund currently does not reach a level that top clubs would fear.

On Wednesday, there was also a worrying shortage of personnel in defense. Aaron Anselmino had already had to return to Chelsea. Then Niklas Süle was missing, and Waldemar Anton also had to pull out at short notice. Nevertheless, the defense remained stable for a long time—though some in the press saw it differently—but injuries during the game would have posed even more serious problems for coach Niko Kovac.

Photo: IMAGO

Next BVB Opponent Not at Champions League Level

Only Yan Couto, a nominal defender who is known for his attacking instincts, was left on the bench. In the end, Kovac did not have to improvise, as the two players who picked up knocks during the match against Inter, Filippo Mane and Nico Schlotterbeck, did not have to come off after all.

Additionally, it is said that Niklas Süle and Waldemar Anton are expected to return for the weekend. Daniel Svensson, who was suspended in the Champions League, is also available again. This will ease the problems in terms of squad depth. Whether this will also address the other issues discussed above regarding Borussia Dortmund’s performance remains questionable. At least this time, the opponent is not Tottenham or Inter, but 1. FC Heidenheim.

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