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Opinion: Longing for black and yellow Champions League nights

By Antonio Salgado

Dortmund's players celebrate after the UEFA Champions League semi final first leg football match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, western Germany. Dortmund won 4:1.AFP PHOTO / ODD ANDERSEN (Photo credit should read ODD ANDERSEN/AFP/Getty Images)
Dortmund's players celebrate after the UEFA Champions League semi final first leg football match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, western Germany. Dortmund won 4:1.AFP PHOTO / ODD ANDERSEN (Photo credit should read ODD ANDERSEN/AFP/Getty Images) /
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AS Roma toppling Barcelona brought about a desire to see Borussia Dortmund fly in the Champions League once again.

Dortmund were Roma before Roma:

Seeing the success of Roma in the Champions league made me think of Borussia Dortmund. Roma’s sporting director Monchi has a reputation as a smart buyer much like Hans-Joachim Watzke at Borussia Dortmund. Historically Dortmund and Roma are two clubs who compete with the giants, and at times overcome these giants.

Dortmund and Roma share characteristics, but their current situations could not be any more different. Roma are currently flying high and in the Champions league semifinals while Dortmund are struggling to keep a top four spot in the Bundesliga.

Borussia Dortmund, here celebrating beating Real Madrid in the semi finals in 2013, have enjoyed some special European nights (Photo credit DANI POZO/AFP/Getty Images)
Borussia Dortmund, here celebrating beating Real Madrid in the semi finals in 2013, have enjoyed some special European nights (Photo credit DANI POZO/AFP/Getty Images) /

Watching Roma flying high against Spanish giants Barcelona brought back memories of Dortmund dominating Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2013. In the present day Dortmund are in disarray, but not long ago they were the giant slayers. Dortmund were the middle class punching above their weight and sitting at the big boys table.

Dortmund are a big club:

It is possible that this comparison is a stretch and the desire to be like Roma is a bit misguided. I Giallorossi were thoroughly outplayed at the Camp Nou, and success in a knockout tournaments is at times random.

The issue is that Dortmund were there before and they were the team who seemed out of place amongst legendary clubs. Through the perspective of a fan it is tough watching a team who on paper is equal if not inferior to Dortmund flying high in the Champions league. A club of Borussia Dortmund’s stature belongs on the stage of the Champions league semifinals. Dortmund must find a way this summer to get back to the level of Champions league dark horse.

Dortmund need a spine:

Roma have the one thing that Dortmund currently lack and that is strength down the middle of the pitch. Roma has Alisson Becker in goal who on current form is one of the five best keepers in the world. Kostas Manolas mans the middle of the defense. While Daniele De Rossi and Radja Nainggolan command the midfield along with Kevin Strootman.

Dortmund’s spine is much weaker in comparison to Roma. Roman Burki, Sokratis and Gonzalo Castro (to name a few) are not terrible players but they certainly are not on the level of the players who deserve to be starters at Borussia Dortmund.

Dortmund needs to bring in new blood to push themselves up the way Roma has with their outstanding players down the middle of the pitch.

Transfer Strategy:

The BVB Board must act with conviction in the transfer window. Roma’s board has shown conviction this season whether it was cutting their losses by selling Hector Moreno or keeping Edin Dzeko despite numerous transfer rumors.

If the board feels Michy Batshuayi is the best striker option for Dortmund they cannot haggle because of price. The board needs to identify its targets and get them. The board must also cut their losses they must admit that buying Andriy Yarmolenko was a mistake.

Related Story: Borussia Dortmund's sell and replace policy has caught up with them

Watzke must sell off the squad filler players as well. In comparing transfer strategies it must be acknowledged that Roma did sell Mohamed Salah this summer because of financial reasons, but here is where Watzke and Monchi differ. Watzke is frugal more by choice while Monchi must balance the books more because Roma does not have the financial power that Dortmund have.

Bring the magic back:

In the end Roma’s success created a longing for seeing the black and yellow flying high in the Champions league. The comparison came to mind because on paper Roma are not supposed to be there much like Dortmund. Seeing Dortmund’s struggles this season brings up frustration and seeing Roma succeed compounded the frustration because Dortmund are capable of being Roma.

Related Story: Why it is time for serious change at Borussia Dortmund

They can compete with the elite and must do so the fans deserve more and the name and legacy of the club deserve more as well. Borussia Dortmund should not toil away in mediocrity and settle merely for top four finishes and Champions league group stage exists. La Loba howled in the Champions League this week, and here’s to hoping Dortmund can buzz loudly again.

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