Felix Passlack: Second chance at Borussia Dortmund the reward for hard work

Felix Passlack has without a doubt been the surprise package at Borussia Dortmund this season, and he believes his second chance at the club is a reward for his hard work.

Few would have expected Felix Passlack still be a Borussia Dortmund player today when the transfer window began in July. But his impressive performances during pre-season, combined with the injuries in the wing-back positions prompted head coach Lucien Favre to call upon the 22 year old.

Passlack came on as a first-half substitute for the injured Thorgan Hazard in Borussia Dortmund’s 3-0 opening day win over Borussia Mönchengladbach. He put in an impressive performance against the Foals at left wing-back, and hasn’t looked back since.

Since then, Passlack has made six appearances for the Black and Yellows, including starts away to Bayern Munich and Hoffenheim. His committed and energetic performances have helped him earn praise from fans and BVB bosses alike. And the versatile full-back believes that he finally reaping the rewards of the hard work he has put in over the last few years.

"“I have worked very hard, done a lot for it,” Passlack told Ruhr Nachrichten. “I see this as the reward for the hard work. At the beginning of the preparation, it was: Felix, let’s see how you do. Then I got good feedback for what I showed. The fact that I gained playing practice and self-confidence in Sittard paid off – as you can see.”"

Despite being more of a right-back, Passlack has mostly been used on the left so far this season. But he is happy to play anywhere on the pitch. “Wherever the coach puts me, I always give 100 percent,” Passlack said. “Whether it’s defensive or offensive, left or right, I don’t care. I also know the position from before, I have played it under Thomas Tuchel.”

Passlack was also asked about the upcoming games against Club Brugge and Bayern Munich. And while he believes that the Champions League game in Belgium is a must-win for Borussia Dortmund, he is not thinking about the topspiel against Bayern just yet.

"“For the time being we are concentrating on Bruges, we want to make it a success. Within the team we haven’t talked about the Bayern game yet either. After the final whistle in Bruges, we will take care of the game against the Bavarians.”"

Passlack’s Borussia Dortmund contract expires at the end of the season. But if he continues to perform like he has so far this season, there is no doubt that he will be given a new deal.