BVB is starting the new season with a highly qualified squad, a new (old) coach and the bad news about Sébastien Haller. One thing is certain: Borussia remains Bayern’s number one hunter, but can you dance at all weddings this time? Five theses and answers about BVB before the start of the Bundesliga season.
The gap to FC Bayern has increased
BVB were only eight points behind their big rivals on the 34th matchday of the previous season. However, the Westphalians felt that they were miles away from the series champions, although they were by no means as dominant and, above all, not as consistent as in most of the nine championships before. FC Bayern was vulnerable – that was the bitter realization from BVB’s point of view.
As so often in the recent past, Dortmund blundered against the supposedly small players in the league and was therefore unable to put Bayern in serious trouble. And then there is the nonsense: mentality. Bayern have always brought a lot of that with them, but BVB tends to lack it.
The new sports director Sebastian Kehl counteracted this and caused a stir with great new signings. So good conditions to reduce the gap to Bayern? Yes and no, because FC Bayern reacted to the black and yellow transfer offensive with an even bigger offensive. Goal guarantee Robert Lewandowski is gone, but a lot of quality and hunger for success have been gained. For BVB it is to be feared that the old distance will remain in the best case.
The BVB squad is better than last season
A resounding “yes”. With Erling Haaland, BVB gave up one of the most sought-after, but also very injury-prone players for 60 million euros. Otherwise there was only one other really prominent name among the departures with Axel Witsel (so far).
The part of the team that caused the most concern was strengthened most impressively by BVB. In central defense, veteran Mats Hummels even has to fear for his regular place after the signings of Niklas Süle and Nico Schlotterbeck.
In defensive midfield, Dortmund relies heavily on new signing Salih Özcan. Mega talent Karim Adeyemi from RB Salzburg came on the offensive first, and later Sébastien Haller as the last piece of the puzzle. The bitter diagnosis of the BVB wish striker is well known and initially dampened the BVB euphoria.
BVB spent more – around 86 million euros – than it took in (61.5 million), although Niklas Süle came from Bayern on a free transfer. But the investments were smart and sorely needed and will make the squad better.
Salih Özcan is the best BVB transfer of the season
A daring thesis, but Matthias Sammer has high hopes for the 24-year-old, who BVB landed for just five million euros. The sporting adviser said on “Bild TV”: “I’m hoping for the biggest surprise with Salih Özcan, because he brings something that I think is important.”
Sammer means aspects that BVB too often lacked: winning mentality, expression and attitude. Sebastian Kehl blows the same horn: “I think in many areas it can be the surprising moment that gives this team something it urgently needs.” Kehl means the poor protection after losing the ball or the lack of aggressiveness against the ball. Özcan has proven that he can close this gap – so far only at 1. FC Köln.
With all due respect to the table seventh of the previous season, Özcan has not yet had to show his skills on the big stage. And at BVB he has to fight for his place next to the new leading player Jude Bellingham after missing the pre-season.
BVB must sign a Haller replacement
As bitter as the news about the malignant testicular tumor of the desired striker Sébastien Haller was: at least the shock diagnosis came at a time when Borussia Dortmund can still react. One thing is certain: the striker will be out for a few months. And when Haller will be fit again for the big games after the inevitable chemotherapy remains completely uncertain.
Out of respect for Haller, those responsible for BVB waited until the diagnosis was final. Now they will act – and that is right. Because BVB does not have a second real center forward in the squad. The budget limit for the Haller replacement should be 10 million euros.
At first there were rumors about the Uruguayan Luis Suárez, who, however, returned to his homeland. Anthony Modeste from 1. FC Köln would also be a financially viable alternative a year before the end of his contract as a player who is strong in the air. Last but not least, according to consistent media reports, BVB is in contact with Edinson Cavani (most recently Manchester United) who is currently without a club – already 35 years old, but still equipped with a nose for goals.
BVB gets up after the 34th matchday…
… 2nd place – as always, one is inclined to say. BVB is too strong not to be Bayern’s number one hunter again. But it’s not (yet) enough for the really big hit. BVB made a powerful showing in the summer of transfers, but Bayern Munich also made a statement with their new signings. With 137.5 million euros, Bayern digged deep into their wallets despite ten championships in a row.
In Dortmund there is still a big question mark, especially in the storm center. If the Haller gap can be closed with a real goalscorer, there is a serious attack on the industry leader. To do this, however, BVB has to win the direct duels against the record champions again: The past seven matches mostly went clearly to Bayern!
As a reminder: In the 2010/11 and 2011/12 championship seasons, all four direct duels went to BVB.
Lars Wiedemann