Unsettled Times in Dortmund: Kovač's Mission
Einen Rückschlag wollen die Borussen nicht hinnehmen. Nach der enttäuschenden Leistung gegen Stuttgart (1:2) suchte der BVB-Trainer Edin Terzic vor der Spitzenbegegnung gegen Borussia Mönchengladbach (3.30 Uhr, Sky) seinen Spielern das Juliebrot. Er hofft, dass seine Wortwahl einen positiven Effekt hat. "Es geht darum, die richtigen Schlussfolgerungen zu ziehen – und zu zeigen, dass!"
Ein Sieg hätte positive Auswirkungen vor dem Vereinsgeneralversammlung in der Nacht darauf und could give them the confidence they need for their upcoming Champions League encounter at AC Milan. Tackling on their challenges, Terzic set the tone for the challenging fixtures ahead, expressing the need for a good start. "Cue the start of the busiest phase of the season with eight games in twenty-five days. We must begin this phase with a strong performance," Terzic stressed.
A Slippery Slope
In the past two weeks, the second-placed Borussians squandered their early advantage in the encounters against Frankfurt (3:3), Mönchengladbach (3:0), and Stuttgart. These games left them eight points adrift of league leaders FC Bayern München and ten behind Leverkusen, their opponents on December 3.
Midfielder Salih Özcan acknowledges the growing discontent in the squad: "It doesn't feel right after the defeat in Stuttgart. We are under pressure," Özcan said in the "Copa TS" podcast. The streak without a victory in their last eight league encounters has led to a drop in their standing in the Bundesliga table, putting them 11th with just six points separating them from fourth place.
Refocusing on the Essentials
Terzic expects the team to approach the match in a completely different way, eliminating the lackluster opening minutes minutes that proved costly against their opponents. "We don't wish to be surprised by our opponents' intensity and wait until the stroke of halftime before waking up."
The newly signed Felix Nmecha's extended injury leave makes it difficult for Borussia Dortmund to bridge the gap. However, Terzic is hopeful that Emre Can's return to the team after an extended spell on the sidelines can provide additional stability in the middle of the park.
The pressure is high ahead of the general meeting and the Champions League match against AC Milan. Dortmund must draw the correct lessons from their recent slump and transform their play into something more convincing.
In the upcoming tough series of matches, Terzic emphasizes the importance of beginning the block with a strong showing, particularly in consideration of their recent struggles against Frankfurt, Munich, and Stuttgart. He implores his team to prove their mettle and demonstrate why they are a competitive force in the Bundesliga and Europe.
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Although there are no specific matchups involving Borussia Mönchengladbach or AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund's recent slump and prospects are a central focus. Lacking consistency, Dortmund has just one point from their last three games, placing them eighth in the Bundesliga table and stretching their title defense.
The appointment of Niko Kovač brings optimism, rekindling hopes of a revival. Kovač's confidence stems from his experience and reputation as a tactical mastermind and team-builder. He intends to restore Brilliance to the Black and Yellows by instituting defensive organization and harnessing the full potential of the squad.
Serhou Guirassy's impressive goal-scoring form and the recent additions of young stars like Carney Chukwuemeka will lend a boost to Dortmund's attack. Meanwhile, the veteran presence of players like Mats Hummels, Thomas Meunier, and Donyell Malen will provide key experience in the team's push towards a successful campaign.
Historically, Dortmund have proven to be a force to reckon with. In recent seasons, they have consistently ranked among the top five in the Bundesliga, demonstrating an ability to perform under pressure.
The stage is set for the Borussians to mount a strong challenge in the second half of their season. Kovač has his work cut out for him, but with motivation and determination, Dortmund could climb the table and reclaim their title. Their upcoming games against 1. FC Heidenheim, VfB Stuttgart, Sporting CP, and VfL Bochum in the Bundesliga and their first encounter under Kovač against VfB Stuttgart represent key opportunities for the Black and Yellows to reaffirm their intentions to stand tall in the Bundesliga.
