Thomas Meunier: Borussia Dortmund have been lacking consistency this season

Thomas Meunier believes that Borussia Dortmund’s lack of consistency has been hurting them this season. The Belgian international feels that not having 80,000 plus fans to cheer the team on has also played a role in the Black and Yellows’ struggles so far this season.

"“There is a lack of consistency, and the fans are also missing,” Meunier said in an interview with Spox. “They have a certain influence on the team and provide the extra motivation, especially against smaller, defensive-minded teams.”“Of course, the coaching situation also contributed to the fact that we still need time to get into top form, because the new coach also brings new ideas to the team and smooth implementation takes time.”"

Borussia Dortmund currently find themselves in sixth place in the Bundesliga standings, four points behind fourth placed Eintracht Frankfurt. They have already suffered eight league defeats this season, more than they did in the entirety of last season.

Meunier, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury, also knows that he personally hasn’t made the best of starts to life in Germany. But he expects to be back to his best after making his return from injury. The right-back began individual training this week, and could return to team training next week.

Meunier has been ever-present in the Borussia Dortmund line-up this season, making 21 appearances across all competitions. But his lack of offensive impact has frustrated fans, as the 29 year old has been limited to just one goal and two assists.

"“I played a lot from the beginning and I was satisfied with that,” Meunier said. “Nevertheless, I expect more from myself, because I already noticed that I needed more time to get closer to my top form. Nevertheless, I firmly expect that we will see a very good Thomas Meunier in the coming weeks after I return from my knee injury.”"

Thomas Meunier wants to see Borussia Dortmund teammate Raphael Guerreiro play in midfield

One Borussia Dortmund full-back who has been making a big impact going forward this season is Raphael Guerreiro. And Meunier would like to see the Portuguese international play further forward as a playmaker in midfield.

"“For me, he’s a playmaker! I would like to see him in midfield playing in the eight or ten role. He is a wonderful footballer and not a defender in my opinion.”“When he’s on the ball, he can always make the difference, which is why you’ll find him everywhere on the pitch, but sometimes his defensive duties suffer as a result. I would like to see him in a more offensive role.”"

Guerreiro has been used in the number eight role in the past, and also played as a left winger at times during Lucien Favre’s first season in charge.

Meunier has also heaped praise on Jadon Sancho, calling him the most difficult teammate to defend against. “I’m tall and therefore inferior to him in certain areas, because he’s so damn fast with the ball on his feet. Jadon is technically very strong, which makes things difficult.”

Borussia Dortmund go up against Hoffenheim on Saturday, and Meunier will be hoping that they can get back to winning ways and generate some momentum ahead of the crunch game against Sevilla.