Striker duel still clear
©IMAGO
After a strong start to the season, Borussia Dortmund recently ran out of steam. Only half of the last eight games were won, including twice 1-0 and in the DFB Cup only after penalties. One reason for this is the lack of momentum in the offensive, which only scored eleven goals in the games in question, four of them in the Champions League against FC Copenhagen. However, coach Niko Kovac doesn’t want to throw everything away and, for example, put striker Serhou Guirassy on the bench.
“Serhou already missed a few training sessions in preparation, then he struggled with thigh and shoulder problems,” said Kovac in a “Kicker” interview. “I know that many people look at him as a striker. But I also know how important he is for us. We’re missing his goals at the moment. But he’ll get back there. I’m glad I have him and I’ll stick with him. He’s not just a great striker, but above all a really great person.”
Guirassy has seven goals and four assists in 15 games so far. A good return, but the majority of the scorers come from the first games of the season. He only scored once in the last eight games. Kovac still sees a lot of good things: “I basically talk a lot with my players, and of course also with Serhou. I see that he is totally committed. He senses what I think of him. I also know from my previous positions that a striker sometimes has a dry spell. That’s exactly when he needs the trust of the coach – and Serhou gets that from me.”
BVB newcomer Fábio Silva is behind: So far only 105 minutes on the field
The trust in Guirassy comes at the expense of other players, such as new signing Fábio Silva. The 23-year-old Portuguese arrived from Wolverhampton Wanderers late in the transfer window for 22.5 million euros and has only been on the field for 105 minutes so far. This makes him one of the most valuable players in the Bundesliga who, in comparison, only gets a small amount of playing time (see article).
Kovac doesn’t think the teething problems are a problem: “In general: The guys who pulled things off last year showed great quality. That’s why it’s normal that new players have to be patient, even if we signed them for a lot of money. But the transfer fee doesn’t mean that the others are voluntarily clearing the way. I’m happy with our new guys, but I also know that they still need time.”
Referring specifically to Silva and Jobe Bellingham (20), he also admitted: “The boys are coming into a different environment, into a different culture, with a different language and different requirements than in their previous clubs. You have to admit that they have to get used to it first. I’m glad that they’re there – and they’re increasing the competition. Anyone who signs here knows what to expect. Unfortunately, I can’t field everyone. But I’d rather that than if I turned around and didn’t know who I should bring it.”