Analysis: Why Borussia Dortmund struggle against teams that park the bus

Coming off a 2-1 loss to Fortuna Dusseldorf that Borussia Dortmund struggled to create offense, here’s a look at some trends that factor into Dortmund’s struggles against opponents that defend deep.

Borussia Dortmund have enjoyed an exceptional start to their season on all fronts. Leading the way in the Bundesliga, topping their group in the Champions League and currently in the round of 16 in the DFB Pokal. Although they’ve almost always gotten the results in close games this year, they have struggled against sides that sit deep defensively. The match against Fortuna Dusseldorf was just the first game to not go their way.

Now it’s entirely expected for almost every team to struggle to create offensively when the opposing team parks the bus, this isn’t something that only Dortmund struggle with. It’s natural when a team offers little offensively and are organized defensively for the opposing team to have a tough time breaking them down. Games against Dusseldorf, Freiburg, Wolfsburg, Hannover and both games against Brugge in the Champions League are some examples of when Dortmund struggled to create. There are a few things that Borussia Dortmund have done to make it harder on themselves in these types of games.

Team selection is one of the biggest factors in these games. There is a desperate need for creativity in order to unlock sound defensive teams. Having players with the ability to break through the defensive lines with either a dribble or a pass is the most efficient way to counter deep lying opponents. There are lots of games that the safer or more reliable option is definitely the better call. However, games Dortmund are expected to dominate possession while trying to unlock a defense is not one of them. The central midfield and wing play is often where these games are decided.

Axel Witsel and Thomas Delaney were the most used central midfield partners, starting in 3 of those games against the teams mentioned earlier. Thomas Delaney has surpassed all expectations this season so far and is a very efficient player in his role, but in possession heavy games he probably shouldn’t be starting alongside Witsel. He doesn’t offer that ability to take someone on in a one vs. one, nor is he an insanely dynamic passer. Having a player like Dahoud or Gotze playing in the midfield alongside Witsel offers a more creative option. Dahoud and Gotze both have exceptional ball control and passing ability that can help break down more defensive opponents. That’s not saying they’re a sure fix as Dahoud did start two of the games in question (although one was probably his worst game of the season) and the other he played more of an attacking role in a 4-3-3, which Favre no longer plays. Having a player like that in the midfield just increases the chances of unlocking the defense.

The second position with a heavy importance on creativity is the wingers. Players like Jacob Bruun Larsen and Marius Wolf, serve important roles in the squad, especially Bruun Larsen of late. As important as they can be they still probably shouldn’t be starting these types of games. Players like Sancho, Guerreiro and Pulisic when he’s in form offer much more opportunity for success.

One of the biggest detriments for Borussia Dortmund against deep lying opposition is failing to convert on their early chances. Most games in the Bundesliga involve Dortmund having a good chunk of the possession and it’s very rare that they struggle against a team parking the bus when they take an early lead. It’s when the opponent doesn’t concede in the first 20-25 minutes and start to grow into the game making it harder and harder for Dortmund to gain any traction. The longer they keep Dortmund off the score sheet the tougher it gets for the black and yellows. If Marco Reus’ goal had counted against Fortuna Dusseldorf and BVB had gone up 1-0, it’d be very hard to imagine them losing that game.

Teams will continue to park the bus against Borussia Dortmund, such is the nature of being a top club. There’s no one answer to ensure Dortmund never struggle against this type of opposition. There are changes they can make to their current and previous play this year to give themselves a better chance.