Last season they were only 5th in the league. Internationally it was really good, I have to say that. But Mats Hummels was also outstanding at the back and an important leader. Where is the leader now?
And the quality of the squad is just too thin. They rely far too much on Brandt, Adeyemi, Gittens and Guirassy up front. If someone is missing or is not in form, then it will quickly become a middle class Bundesliga.
Well, I forgot Sabitzer. I actually expected him to be a support on the 8th. I like Maxi Beier, but you can’t expect him to consistently be a difference player at the highest level. Paint? Nah. It was also too changeable.
The defense: Sure, there was also some bad luck with injuries. But it doesn’t look as if they could at least maintain the level of the previous season. Couto as Maatsen’s replacement doesn’t work, but it remains to be seen whether the IV has a good duo for the future.
The ZM: I think Nmecha will make its way. But if Sabitzer is not at the level that he can do, then overall offensively from the midfield is not enough, even in width.
What I want to say: One can doubt whether Nuri Şahin is the right coach. But, looking at the competition, I would say: The squad is probably one for the fight for the Europa League or Conference League place. CL place really only if everything were optimal. Few failures and most players at their limits.
The fact that you lose in Kiel is of course not acceptable. But to be honest, it doesn’t surprise me that you can have problems against any opponent. You urgently need more substance in your squad, more strong alternatives. Otherwise it could happen that you don’t play in Europe at all next season.
You can now shout “Şahin out”, but the problems with the squad would remain even with a new coach. In your case, demands and reality diverge too much. You should actually have a squad that can clearly place in the top 4 in Germany. But you don’t currently have it.
Transfers now will be really crucial. If nothing convincing happens, there would be a serious risk that you won’t play internationally next season and will have to downshift when it comes to transfers and completely lose touch. I wouldn’t want that for the Bundesliga.
But of course I was really excited tonight. My first concern was Kiel. And that was historic!!!
The offensive is really not to be despised. What’s kind of crazy: Phil Harres comes from the 4th league for 0.2 million, scores 7 goals in 10 games and makes one assist. Serhou Guirassy has the worse record (even if he has been top in the CL so far), despite clearly being better teammates. Sounds kind of strange.
I celebrate the KSV. And I hope that this will now release a lot of strength. It no longer seems impossible.
If Colin Kleine-Bekel miraculously gets back into shape quickly, his chances would increase again. Maybe there will be a transfer for a little more width here or there. If Pichler leaves, someone like Prtajin would be very good (necessary, I would say) to have a second classic 9 in the squad.
And I hope that Dortmund makes good moves on the transfer market. This is absolutely crucial now.