With just five points from three games, Borussia Dortmund’s start to the season in the Bundesliga was a complete failure. BVB professional Julian Brandt is self-critical – and has suggestions for improvement for his team.
“When the generally good-natured south stand, where I really appreciate the fans for their support and their fine instincts, rightly whistles as loudly as they did after the 2-2 draw against Heidenheim, it must be clear to everyone: something is fundamentally wrong here! 2 :0 at halftime against a promoted team, so you have to win the game. Period. We brought the drama on ourselves,” said Brandt in an interview with the “Ruhr Nachrichten”.
Before the disappointing draw against Heidenheim, BVB had only played 1-1 at district rivals VfL Bochum. On the first matchday there was a happy 1-0 win against 1. FC Köln.
According to Brandt, the Dortmund team must “take the basics to heart again” in order to put the crisis behind them. “We have to act as a unit with and against the ball. On the offensive, we have to find the best possible finishing position and pass the ball to others. It’s about the success of the collective,” explained the national player.
Brandt added: “We have to show that we don’t split into two parts of the team, one offensive and one defensive. Unfortunately, we absorb a lot of counterattacks. We have to do better as a block. The offensive players have to defend better, the defensive chain has to be higher, “To keep the playing field compact and small. We also have to become more tactically disciplined!”
“In a successful team, every individual is seen better. And in order to be successful, we all have to pursue the same goal. We have to get that in our heads,” said the 27-year-old.
BVB does not play “on the PlayStation in career mode”
According to Brandt, the title drama of last season can no longer play a role for the BVB professionals.
“I expect from myself and my teammates that this blow to the neck in May can no longer distract us from our goals. Everyone can get physically fit and receive optimal care in the club. And if someone needs to clear their head, they can get help .”
But it also takes time to reach full performance, Brandt made clear. “We don’t play FIFA in career mode on the PlayStation, where the stars are thrown together and play dream football at the push of a button.”
The playmaker admitted that they are currently “dissatisfied” at BVB. “However, I don’t see any deficits that are so big that we have to change everything. It’s more about details. And that’s why I have a good gut feeling. The wind can change quickly.”