New Delhi: Borussia Dortmund is a team with high pedigree and standards thanks to their rich history in this sport. Considering the stature of Bayern Munich, peeople often forget what the Black and Yellow army has contributed to this sport. Undoubtebly one of the gems of European football, Dortmund have tasted major success and have a great resume of winning some major titles and also producing some of the memorable performances in both league as well as European stages. However, many consider them to be one of the unluckiest clubs, having come close to winning the league title on several ocassions, but failing to do so in recent few campaigns.
Dortmund have been a team that has constantly threatened and have been in contention with Bayern Munich, who have won 11 out of the last 12 Bundesliga campaigns. The last time they managed to lift the title was back in 2011/12 seaon, where they produced some of the best league campaign performances in the history of German football. However, last season saw them struggling with their consistency in winning matches, which eventually resulted them finishing 5th in the league.
It was clear that a change was needed and it was the end of Erdin Terzic’s time to leave the club as Dortmund decided to cring in a familiar face to manage the club, by the name of Nuri Sahin. It will be interesting to see how this change in management would help Dortmund next season.
Borussia Dortmund’s tactical prospects for 2024/25 season
HAMBURG, GERMANY – AUGUST 17: Head coach Nuri Sahin of Borussia Dortmund shouts during the DFB-Pokal match between 1. FC Phönix Lübeck and Borussia Dortmund at on August 17, 2024 in Hamburg, Germany. (Photo by Max Ellerbrake – firo sportphoto/Getty Images)
The pre-season friendlies have somehow hinted that Nuri Sahin prefers the classic 4-3-3 formation and he truly has the quality in the squad that could do well in this particular formation. However, last season Terzic did have an impact with his tactics which helped his side reach the finals of Champions League. However, his preferred formation remained 4-2-3-1 and also the 4-3-3 lineup where his team showed some good signs of forward ball playing and high line defending.
Dortmund does not hesitate to use the early through-ball to go behind the defense of the opposition. When the Dortmund midfielders or defenders control the ball, the attackers are always rushing in behind. The opponent is unable to play with a high backline and close the gap between the lines because of this ongoing danger. Rather, they must retreat from the back and guard the area behind, creating a gap in the middle that the Dortmund midfielders may take advantage of.
HAMBURG, GERMANY – AUGUST 17: Julian Brandt of Borussia Dortmund in action during the DFB Cup first round soccer match between FC Phoenix Luebeck and Borussia Dortmund at Volksparkstadion on August 17, 2024 in Hamburg, Germany. (Photo by Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund via Getty Images)
Their build-up play is mainly based on a high line, as they approach the middle, and it aids in the counter-press. It is more difficult for the opponent to recycle possession when there are more players near the centre who can recover the ball. In addition, a high backline reduces the amount of space between players, which speeds up passes and keeps the opponent from raising their defense. The capacity of Dortmund to acquire a numerical edge over the opposition’s defensive line is another crucial component of their impressive build-up.
They are excellent at exploiting the numerical advantage that their forward five naturally has over a back four. However, this might be a massive plus point for Nuri Sahin as he can really use the 4-3-3 and 3-4-3 formations to best effect as this approach of high build up play can help them create spaces in the middle to play around and get their passes right, which the Dortmund players are pretty good at. Besides, Sahin’s tactics would heavily involve the fullbacks to move upfront while making those overlapping runs to support the attacking play.
ALTACH, AUSTRIA – AUGUST 6: Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel of Borussia Dortmund, Nico Schlotterbeck of Borussia Dortmund and Pascal Gross of Borussia Dortmund talk together during the pre-season friendly match between Borussia Dortmund and Villarreal CF at Cashpoint Arena on August 6, 2024 in Altach, Austria. (Photo by Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
When it comes to the backline, Sahin will benefit from the defensive backline of four, where he would demand his fullbacks to fall back into their own half to defend, in case of a counter attack. Dortmund’s backline has to swich back to a low line along with a midfielder, playing in a defensive role or simply falling back to support the defence. This could help them prevent counter attacks or defend thm if used properly. Besides, the risk of a counter is always there due the team playing a high defensive line, but they also need to focus on stopping the opposition’s build up play.
Possession retention, lofted ball playing and fullback roles would be the three of the most important elements for Nuri Sahin’s Borussia Dortmund side next season.
Transfer analysis
DORTMUND, GERMANY – AUGUST 10: Serhou Guirassy of Borussia Dortmund prior the pre-season friendly match between Borussia Dortmund and Aston Villa at Signal Iduna Park on August 10, 2024 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Hendrik Deckers/Borussia Dortmund via Getty Images)
Dortmund had a busy transfer window where they had fair share of new signings and departures. They had some of their key players from last season, departing as Jadon Sanch0, Ian Maatsen and Niclas Fullkrug, all left the club this transfer window. However, Dortmund did recruite a few top players who could turn out to be game changers for the Black and Yellow army. Their most significant signing this summer has been Serhou Guirassy, who turned out to be one of the most lethal strikers last season with a total of 28 league goals for Stuttgart, which was the second highest in Bundesliga.
However, after his knew injury back in July, it seems likely that the striker will only be able to make his return in late september. However, he might turn out to be the perfect Niclas Fullkrug replacement for next season. Besides, Dortmund managed to sign another talented striker, Maximillian Beier, who also had a great Bundesliga season last time around. The German forward scored an impressive total of 16 league goals for Hoffenheim and was signed for €28.5 Million.
Furthermore, Dortmund added experience in their midfield with the signing of Pascal Gross from English side Brighton. Besides, addition of Waldemar Anton from Stuttgart and Yan Couto from Manchester City, strengthened the defensive line.
Early predictions: Champions Legaue Spot
Dortmund are without a doubt one of the major contenders to battle for the title. Last season saw them finishing fifth in the league after Leverkusen did the unthinkable. However, it wasn’t the best of campaigns for Die Schwarzgelben, despite their UCL qualification due to the standards they have set over the past few campaigns. The squad looks great this time around and the players will be looking to make an impacts and it looks likely that Nuri Sahin will be guiding them to a champions league spot next season.
As we head towards the new Bundesliga season, here’s a team preview for Borussia Dortmund who will be looking to improve on their previous season’s 5th place finish. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
