BVB probably doesn’t really know where they stand after this first half of the season. On the one hand, you claim to be the second force in Germany, on the other hand you are chasing after the claim to want to stand up to Bayern Munich. The fact that a somewhat negative impression remains is also due to the end in the Champions League and the frequency of injuries.
So went the first half of the season
34 points, second place in the league, clear lead over fellow competitors for the premier class. Basically, the statistics at Borussia Dortmund are correct. But again you miss the real goal: to be able to intervene in the battle for the championship. No question: Munich played an outstanding first half of the season as the front runner. FCB has more options, more budget.
Nevertheless, it must be stated that BVB Bayern Munich can only be dangerous if they are spared injuries. That was hardly the case, especially on the defensive. The list of injuries in the first half of the season can be almost like an entire, very prominent starting eleven. Among other things, the midfielders Axel Witsel or Emre Can had to play a few games in central defense.
Together with Mats Hummels, who is becoming increasingly clear that he has disadvantages when it comes to speed at the age of 33, it didn’t always work out well. 26 goals conceded are ten more than Munich or Freiburg have on the account. And at the absolute top level in the Champions League, Dortmund disappointed in a feasible group – after all, the Europa League will continue.
Who is coming, who is going?
The Dortmund leaders also noticed the defensive problems. BVB is looking for a talented defender. 19-year-old Becir Omeragic from FC Zurich is said to be at the top of the list. Dortmund has a hard time needing access there. Dan-Axel Zagadou, like Marius Wolf, tested positive for Corona at the start of training. Manuel Akanji will be out until the end of January after an operation. There is another scenario with Can or Witsel in the defense network.
Dortmund also wants to change a few things on the offensive. In addition to the ongoing rumors of a change from star striker Erling Haaland, one thing is certain: Reinier’s loan is to be ended prematurely – both sides want that. Dortmund also shows interest in Yusuf Demir from FC Barcelona and Jobe Bellingham. For the summer, the then free transfer Matthias Ginter and Denis Zakaria from league competitor Mönchengladbach have also been considered.