Dortmund (dpa) – The team is in debt, the coach in need of explanation – for Borussia Dortmund, the end of the season is becoming a delicate matter, despite the lack of explosiveness.
After the 4-1 defeat against RB Leipzig, which was accompanied by whistles, the patience of many supporters seems to have run out. Another defeat on Friday (8.30 p.m. / DAZN) at the table fourth from bottom from Stuttgart could further worsen the already tense mood. “A lot is pouring down on us. On Friday we have the chance to put that into perspective and steer it in a different direction,” said coach Marco Rose, hoping for a positive signal from his team.
Twelve points behind Bayern
After the early end in Europe and in the DFB Cup, the season seems to be over for the Revierclub in the Bundesliga as well. Nine points behind the leaders from Munich and twelve points ahead of fifth place, the title fight is lost, but at least the Champions League qualification is as good as secured. Nevertheless, Rose warned his team about a lack of excitement in the last six games of the season: “Very great respect. Too much has already happened in football for that. We expect a win – and a win is expected of us.”
With a view to the mixed season so far, the 45-year-old coach referred to the deficits of his team: “We never get on a real run. We make too many easy mistakes for the demands we have.” Modern football includes the ability “to run a lot, to sprint a lot and to fight a lot”. “If we’re not careful there, we could lose touch in some areas. Just playing well won’t work anymore,” Rose complained.
He expressed understanding for the fans’ displeasure with the team and his work. “Despite all the criticism, I’m supposed to be part of the solution. I’m the head coach. I’m responsible for making things better. If we don’t do that consistently, it’s clear that I also have a responsibility.”
However, Rose is confident that he will be able to contribute to a change in the coming months: “This season has a certain history. It has been shown to us that we have some catching up to do in terms of squad structure and ability to play. We want to try to get the squad in the summer to change a bit.”
VfB calculates something against BVB
Although VfB only table 15. before the home game in the Stuttgart stadium, which was sold out for the first time in more than two years with around 60,000 spectators. After all, the Swabians got eight points from four games in the relegation battle – and they also count on something against Dortmund.
The guests still have a “very good team”, said VfB coach Pellegrino Matarazzo. But if “Dortmund only makes a few percent less, then we have to be there”. With just a one-point lead over Arminia Bielefeld on the relegation zone, VfB needs every point.
The expected lineups
VfB Stuttgart: Müller – Stenzel, Mavropanos, Ito, Sosa – Karazor – Mangala, Endo – Tiago Tomás, Marmoush, Führich
Borussia Dortmund: Kobel – Can, Akanji, Hummels, Guerreiro – Dahoud, Bellingham – Reyna, Reus, Malen – Haaland