Down goes the tower: Nico Schlotterbeck's season-ending injury leaves BVB in a bind
Unfavorable news strikes Borussia Dortmund: disheartening updates emerge
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link Borussia Dortmund's defensive fortress takes a blow as Nico Schlotterbeck, their dependable anchor, suffers a torn meniscus in his left knee, keeping him sidelined for months. Coach Niko Kovac faces a daunting task in finding a worthy replacement.
When Borussia Dortmund's list of standout performers of the season is tallied, it requires less than one hand to count them all. The BVB has been locked in an internal struggle, aiming to minimize the damage incurred. A rock they could always lean on was Nico Schlotterbeck. He shone even in the darkest moments, scoring stunning corner kicks and firing up the fans with his heroic headers that kept the team afloat.
Now, this beacon of stability has crumbled, not on the pitch during a heated header, but on the training ground, his left knee bearing the brunt of his fall. His meniscus broke, and so did his season. The central defender's absence will be felt in both the Bundesliga, where the BVB still strives to secure a place in the Champions League, and in the Champions League, where they face FC Barcelona this Wednesday (8:00 PM on DAZN and live on ntv.de) in the quarter-final first leg. Facing arguably the greatest force in European football. Super coach Hansi Flick has fashioned a team from a wild bunch that's almost impossible to defend against: because of its Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski.
According to "Ruhr Nachrichten", Schlotterbeck sustained his severe injury during a substitute training session on Sunday, leaving the pitch on a golf cart in agony. "Nico's absence is a huge blow to us," commented Dortmund's sports director Sebastian Kehl. "He's a crucial player on our team and has consistently impressed with his performances this season." The club remains silent on the nature of his treatment. The 25-year-old is also expected to miss the Nations League finals (4th to 8th June) in Munich and Stuttgart and might be unable to compete in the Club World Cup in the United States.
To fill big shoes: Who's next?
With Schlotterbeck ruled out, another hero is needed. In the past, sporadic players have stepped up to the plate, but consistency and unshakable leadership have been missing. Sometimes it was Jamie Gittens, Maxi Beier, Karim Adeyemi, Pascal Groß, or Julian Ryerson taking on the mantle. However, none of them have managed to fill the void left by Schlotterbeck consistently.
Could Emre Can be the one to answer the call? The national player has had his ups and downs this season, mirroring his team's struggles. The fans were disillusioned when he seemed too hesitant and too laidback, particularly when he played in midfield as a six. Now that position is under new management. This might work to Can's advantage, as he finds himself back in defense, beside Schlotterbeck. There, he proved himself to be a reliable partner. But with the latter out of commission, Can will shoulder greater responsibility. He'll need a sidekick to lean on.
Time for Waldemar Anton or Niklas Süle to shine?
Last summer, Anton moved from VfB Stuttgart to Dortmund. Billed as one of the Bundesliga's top center-backs, he had represented the Euro squad. However, he lost his mojo on the way to the Signal Iduna Park. Anton never became the pillar of strength he was at Stuttgart. When he faced the biggest stars, such as Leverkusen's Victor Boniface, he showed his worth. Dortmund craves that stability, presence, and composure from him. Despite his impressive stats of winning 66% of duels, he hasn't quite found his footing yet.
Anton admitted in an interview with Transfermarkt.de that he hasn't met his personal expectations and hasn't lived up to them. "I've been injured three times this season, which is a lot for me," he acknowledged, "but that's no excuse," he added. He joined the team to Assume a leadership role, he explained, "which I'm trying to fulfill, even in tough times." Now would be the perfect opportunity for him to step up.
It might also be Niklas Süle's moment. His time in Dortmund has been chaotic compared to Anton's. Despite his high potential, the coach Kovac, who knows him from their time together in Munich, has yet to see any significant improvement. Like Anton, Süle has been troubled by injuries this season. His lasting impact has been questionable, as he was often left out of the matchday squad. When he finally got to see action against Mainz 05, he sustained an injury and was subsequently substituted. Whether he's fit enough to take on Barcelona remains uncertain.
Source: ntv.de, tno
Enrichment: With Schlotterbeck sidelined, Dortmund might need to rethink their defensive tactics and possibly bolster their squad. While internal options like Can, Anton, and Süle might be considered, the transfer market might prove to be a viable solution as well. Potential new recruits could possess similar skills to Schlotterbeck, providing stability and leadership in his absence.
- With Nico Schlotterbeck's injury leaving a void in Borussia Dortmund's defense, the club will now look towards vocational training and community aid to help develop a worthy replacement, especially focus on nurturing the potential of Emre Can, Waldemar Anton, or Niklas Süle.
- As the absence of Nico Schlotterbeck leaves the BVB in a precarious situation, finding a replacement who can offer the same level of stability and reliability will be vital, with the upcoming Champions League match against Barcelona emphasizing the need for strong defense.
- Given the losses of key players, Borussia Dortmund's quest for consistency and unshakable leadership has never been more pressing, as their performances in both the Bundesliga and Champions League now hinge on the ability of players like Emre Can, Waldemar Anton, and Niklas Süle to step up and fill the shoes left vacant by Schlotterbeck.
