Dortmund (dpa) – The once proud Champions League winner from Dortmund is only a European lightweight. After the end of the group phase in the premier class, the second in the Bundesliga also failed early in the Europa League.
Although the team was more committed in the 2-2 (2-1) second leg match at Glasgow Rangers than in the embarrassing 2-4 in the first duel with the Scots a week earlier, they were unable to avert the knockout. Defense boss Mats Hummels made no secret of his frustration: “It’s a huge disappointment. We had them completely in the sack in the first half. They were very well served with the 2-1.”
After a strong performance in the first half with goals from Jude Bellingham (31st) and Donyell Malen (42nd), the round of 16 seemed within reach. But James Tavernier’s goals (22’/foulelfmeter/57′) cost BVB their reward. Once again, the team made too many slight mistakes. Above all, Hummels’ unsuccessful attempt at defense before the 2:2 took away the momentum of Borussia. “We let the rucksack get heavier and heavier. We felt like we were on top during the break. But the goals that we get – again and again – are too easy,” complained coach Marco Rose.
defeats
After the end of the Champions League, the DFB Cup and the Europa League, the football teacher also felt little desire to whitewash. “Of course we are very weak in the cup competitions this season. We didn’t live up to our expectations and were extremely disappointed,” Rose confessed, referring to the negative consequences: “These are the competitions that always give us a little bit pull the plug. And they are what sticks. Our very decent Bundesliga season will only come at some point.”
In any case, his professionals can no longer look forward to magical evenings with knockout games for the time being. And the starting position in the domestic championship is also not very exciting for the second in the table with a lush six points distance to the leaders FC Bayern and twelve points ahead of a non-Champions League place. Rose wants to prevent a possible drop in tension among his pros: “Now it’s our job to pull it off. Nothing has been decided in the Bundesliga either. It’s our aim to always be at the limit.”