Dortmund seeks new leadership as old fissures resurface
Bundesliga Preview: Dortmund Seek Maturity as Season Unfolds
The German Bundesliga is set for an action-packed weekend, with several exciting matches on the horizon. Borussia Dortmund, currently grappling with issues of maturity and late-game fades, will face Wolfsburg on Sunday at 17:30 GMT, following a thrilling 4-4 draw against Juventus in the Champions League.
Dortmund's recent record against Wolfsburg at home is remarkable, having won 10 and drawn two since their last loss in 2012, with an impressive goal difference of 36-5. In their past four home games against Wolfsburg, Dortmund have won 4-0, 1-0, 6-0, and 6-1.
However, Dortmund's latest performance against Juventus revealed a lack of leadership, as striker Serhou Guirassy and defender Ramy Bensebaini engaged in a tussle over a late penalty. Sporting director Sebastian Kehl acknowledged Dortmund's "bitter result" of giving away a sure victory right at the end.
Dortmund are hoping for a boost with the debut of Aaron Anselmino, who is expected to reinforce their defense due to injuries. Anselmino's quick integration into the team is highly anticipated.
Meanwhile, Christian Eriksen, the former Tottenham and Manchester United midfielder, is likely to make his debut for Wolfsburg on Sunday.
Elsewhere, Hamburg will square off against Heidenheim on Saturday, while St Pauli will play Stuttgart on Friday at 18:30 GMT. Heidenheim are the only side yet to claim a point this season.
Stuttgart, Augsburg, Hoffenheim, Werder Bremen, RB Leipzig, Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, and Wolfsburg are all scheduled to play this weekend. RB Leipzig will play Cologne on Sunday at 16:30 GMT.
Bayern Munich, who recently signed Jude Bellingham's former teammate Diaz, will play Hoffenheim on Saturday at 16:30 GMT. Diaz has already scored three goals and set up two more in just three Bundesliga matches for Bayern.
Criticisms of Dortmund's maturity have been common in recent seasons, and goalkeeper Gregor Kobel has emphasised the need for the team to finish games coolly and with composure, playing more maturely.
Two coaches have already been sacked in the Bundesliga this season: Bayer Leverkusen's Erik ten Hag and Borussia Moenchengladbach's Gerardo Seoane. The pressure is on for many teams to perform and secure victories as the season progresses.
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