BVB's Cup Exit and the Question Mark Hanging Over Terzic
After a disappointing exit from the DFB Pokal against Stuttgart (0:2) and falling 10 points behind Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, the eighth leg of the octopus Mats Hummels (34) may have reached its limit. The BVB defense, currently struggling against the top German teams, is facing pressing questions regarding the team's identity.
Time for Terzic to Regroup and Reflect
The retirement of Mats Hummels has inevitably left its mark on the BVB defense, which is failing to cope under constant pressure. Terzic's tactics may shift between light, medium, or heavy, but the result remains the same - a fragile team architecture that crumbles under pressure.
The combination of compactness and a turbo trio of Adeyemi, Bynoe-Gittens, and Moukoko was attempted in the VfB match, but the results were lackluster. The anticipated dangerous switching moments were absent, and the opponents thrived on their superiority. Is the current squad, with its delicate stars including Can, truly built for defensive battles?
The BVB Identity in Winter 2023
Captain Emre Can expressed his concerns, stating, "We cannot continue like this!" The BVB team is full of talent but currently experiencing a severe lack of cohesion and form. With the stars searching for a break and the team under constant stress, a reevaluation of the squad's identity and strategy is necessary to avoid long-term damage.
After their disappointing start, the team's relentless focus shifts to the Champions League. A spot in the round of 16 remains Terzic's job guarantee, and early success in Group F (Newcastle, Milan, Paris) is an encouraging sign for the future. However, the underlying issues remain, and Terzic's job security is slightly uncertain.
Potential Solutions for BVB's Defensive Woes
- Defensive Reinforcement:
- Recruit a Leader: Dortmund needs a seasoned defensive leader to organize the backline.
- Midfield Support: Improving midfield support can help protect the backline.
- Consistent Selections:
- Reduce Injuries: Dortmund benefits from a strong and deep squad that can minimize the impact of injuries.
- Injury Prevention: Systematic training methods and injury prevention strategies can help keep players fit and focused.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Formation Changes: Experimenting with different formations, like a 3-4-3 or 4-3-3, can provide more stability and balance.
- High Pressing: Adopting a high-pressing strategy can reduce the pressure on the defense and win the ball back quickly.
- Squad Management:
- Recruitment Strategy: An effective recruitment strategy should identify the right defenders for Dortmund's specific needs.
- Youth Development: Investing in the club's youth development programs is essential to create future stars who can contribute to the team.
- Leadership and Cohesion:
- Fill the Leadership Void: Recruiting a new player with strong leadership qualities can help strengthen the team's culture.
- Team Building: Regular communication, trust-building activities, and clear goals can foster a positive team culture.
By addressing these issues, Borussia Dortmund may potentially improve their defensive solidity and overall team cohesion, vital components for their success in Bundesliga and European competitions.
