Peter Bosz: A Track Record Perfect For Dortmund
Going into the season, many will be wondering what the future holds in the new era for Borussia Dortmund. A new manager, a fresh start. After the situation with Tuchel, many were left wondering how all this would be corrected and how Borussia Dortmund would move forward.
Dortmund has found that answer in the form of Peter Bosz.
The Revolution at Ajax
During his tenure at Ajax, Bosz became known for the beautiful football on display and bringing Ajax back to the type of football associated with the glory days of the 90’s. Adding to this, it was a kind of football Ajax legend, Johan Cruyff would have loved.
This turnaround from the criticized and frustrating football under De Boer, to the football on display that led Ajax to a Europa League Final, is nothing short of impressive.
Bosz did all of that in one season.
Bosz’s tenure at Ajax saw 25 wins, six draws, and three losses in the Eredivisie. With this came a total of impressive 79 goals for and only 23 goals against.
In the Europa League, Bosz led Ajax all the way to the final, where they lost against a talented Manchester United side.
Primarily Bosz led out the Amsterdammers with the 4-3-3 formation, a formation that suited the players at Ajax perfectly. The possession-based football, combined with short passing, through balls, and the attacking fluidity proved too much to handle for many teams. The link between the defense and the midfield are vital when going forward and Ajax achieved that consistently.
Youthful Enthusiasm
At Ajax, Bosz also allowed for players to flourish and develop. This mentality helped develop the ethos of the modern day Ajax.
An example of this development is Kasper Dolberg. Dolberg put himself on the radar of many teams with his phenomenal season last year. Despite being only 19-years-old, Dolberg is, in many people’s eyes, the next wunderkind.
Another example is Hakim Ziyech. Ziyech came on leaps and strides since joining the club in 2016, becoming the creative mastermind behind the attack. The Ajax man has been the subject of many transfers due in large part to his play last year.
Bosz played a key role in the development of these players. It’s a credit to him as manager, as well as the system in place at Ajax. That system, however, wouldn’t be what it is today without Bosz.
The Right Fit For Dortmund
The former Ajax manager’s track record bodes well for Dortmund, a team full of young talent. Players such as Alexander Isak, Christian Pulisic, Ousmane Dembélé, and so on, are only going to develop further under Bosz.
The path that the season takes somewhat revolves around the situation with Aubameyang. Looking to solve the case, Bosz and the board have set the deadline for his departure as the beginning of pre-season training camp. Should he leave, Bosz will most likely have already laid the groundwork for life without the Gabon man.
With some signings already in the door, Bosz might be looking to add players in other areas. It is entirely possible that he will look to at some of the players he is familiar with at Ajax.
The season ahead is going to be one of optimism. Dortmund has got themselves a good manager who is quickly becoming one of the world’s best. Dortmund has gotten a near perfect fit in their new manager and next season should be a promising one.