Borussia Dortmund cruise past FC Gießen in Marco Rose’s first game in charge

Borussia Dortmund earned a comfortable 2-0 win over FC Gießen in their first pre-season game under new head coach Marco Rose.

A new pre-season and a new era has begun for Borussia Dortmund. Marco Rose made his debut as Borussia Dortmund head coach against fourth tier side FC Giessen on Tuesday. And he saw his side come out as 2-0 winners, with Ansgar Knauff and Steffen Tigges both finding the target.

Marco Rose named a strong starting XI for his first game in charge of Borussia Dortmund, with Marco Reus, Mahmoud Dahoud and Julian Brandt all in the starting lineup. Highly rated youngsters Nnamdi Collins, Albin Thaqi and Göktan Gürpüz were also given a chance to shine from the start.

It took BVB a while to get going. But they got their opener in the 34th minute when Ansgar Knauff turned Julian Brandt’s low cross into the back of the net. Steffen Tigges then doubled Dortmund’s lead on the stroke of half time after being played through on goal by Mahmoud Dahoud.

Julian Brandt was the Black and Yellows’ best performer in the first half. He ran the show from midfield and helped create both of his side’s goals.

For the second half, Borussia Dortmund opted to make eleven changes as the U-23s took to the field. Young players from Enrico Maaßen’s side like Luca Unbehaun and Tobias Raschl got a chance to prove themselves in front of Marco Rose. A special mention needs to be made for the latter who showed glimpses of his quality. Raschl managed to take on defenders with good ball control and quick turns. But the second half ended without any goals, giving Borussia Dortmund a 2-0 win over FC Gießen.

Marco Rose’s first game in charge was a complete success. It is always great to start with a win but the most important thing is building the players’ match fitness and avoiding injuries. Add to that the fact that the youngsters made a good impression, and the BVB head coach will no doubt be a happy man.