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Bourssia Dortmund: Three outlooks for the second half of the season

By Antonio Salgado

MARBELLA, SPAIN - JANUARY 08: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Borussia Dortmund celebrates after scoring the goal to the 3:2 with Jadon Sancho, Mario Goetze and Gonzalo Castro during a friendly match between Borussia Dortmund and SV Zulte Waregem as part of the training camp at the Estadio Municipal de Marbella on January 08, 2018 in Marbella, Spain. (Photo by Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund/Getty Images)
MARBELLA, SPAIN - JANUARY 08: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Borussia Dortmund celebrates after scoring the goal to the 3:2 with Jadon Sancho, Mario Goetze and Gonzalo Castro during a friendly match between Borussia Dortmund and SV Zulte Waregem as part of the training camp at the Estadio Municipal de Marbella on January 08, 2018 in Marbella, Spain. (Photo by Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund/Getty Images) /
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The first half of the season was a disappointment for Borussia Dortmund, but it is time to look forward now. The second half brings a chance at a trophy, the return of injured players, and a possible top four finish. Here are the three things to look forward to for Dortmund’s second half of the season.

The returns of Marco Reus and Mario Gotze

Marco Reus and Mario Gotze are two of Borussia Dortmund’s most talented players, but they both struggled with injuries in the season’s first half of the season. Reus will help with Dortmund’s goal scoring issues in attack (looking at you, Yarmolenko).

Gotze was playing well at the start of the season, and was arguably Dortmund’s best player before he suffered an injury. The morale boost provided by the return of both players will be important, however their impact on the field will be great.

Borussia Dortmund fans will be hoping that Goetze and Reus can stay injury free in the second half of the season. (Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images)
Borussia Dortmund fans will be hoping that Goetze and Reus can stay injury free in the second half of the season. (Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images) /

When healthy, they are ultra talented players who will make the attack more efficient. The increase in depth they will provide will help Dortmund compete in both the Europa league and Bundesliga. Ultimately, Reus and Gotze are talented players and it is a joy to watch them play.

Europa League glory?

AHH. The Europa league is a unique competition, not because of its format but because of its perception among fans and clubs. The Europa League is the secondary continental club competition in Europe.

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For Borussia Dortmund, the Europa league is an opportunity to win a trophy during an otherwise underwhelming season. Winning a trophy would be a great way to cap off this season for Borussia Dortmund. And also a returning Reus and Gotze leading Dortmund to a trophy would be a great story.

Pursuing the Europa league is worthwhile, however it cannot come at the expense of a top four finish. Dortmund have the top end quality to win the Europa league, but questions remain about the depth in quality.

There are quite a few strong teams in the Europa League this season. Overcoming them all and lifting the trophy will be a massive boost for the club ahead of next season. And it could become the catalyst for future successes. Not to mention, winning the Europa League will give the club a spot in the Champions League group stages for next season.

Top four finish in the Bundesliga

Finishing in the top four of the Bundesliga remains the main goal for Dortmund. Qualifying for the Champions League is a source for revenue and recruiting tool for future signings.

Dortmund possess the second most talented squad in the league thus a top four finish is expected.  Dortmund currently sit third in the table, so a finish in the top four is an attainable goal. Winning the Europa league means qualifying for the Champions League, but Dortmund must still finish in the top four.

After a catastrophic two months under Peter Bosz, things are finally looking up for Borussia Dortmund. And fans will be hoping that the club can salvage their season in the Rückrunde, which begins this weekend.

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