Lothar Matthäus: Borussia Dortmund must be more consistent in order to challenge for the Bundesliga title

Former Germany captain Lothar Matthäus believes that Borussia Dortmund have enough quality in their squad, but they must perform consistently at a high level if they want to challenge for the Bundesliga title this season. 

The 2021/22 Bundesliga season gets underway this weekend, and Borussia Dortmund will be looking to challenge for the title. Seven-time Bundesliga champion Lothar Matthäus believes that the Black and Yellows can take the fight to Bayern Munich. But they need to deliver consistent performances throughout the entire campaign to stand any chance of lifting the Meisterschale come May.

When asked what Borussia Dortmund need to do to challenge for the Bundesliga title this season, Matthäus said (in an interview with Bundesliga.com):

"“To consistently perform at a high level. To consistently play to the quality that they have in the squad. They show that a lot but not always, and that’s why they end up 10 or 15 points behind Bayern at the end of the season.”"

Borussia Dortmund challenged for the Bundesliga title twice under Lucien Favre, but were unable to beat Bayern Munich. After failing to challenge for the title last season, they will be aiming to make a fresh start under Marco Rose this time around.

Lothar Matthäus believes that we could be in for an exciting three-way race for the Bundesliga title this season, with both RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund looking to compete with Bayern Munich.

"“I think Bayern are, as always, the favourite but not as clear as in the last couple of years because there have been a lot of changes. I’m mainly thinking about Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig. We still have to see about Leverkusen and Gladbach but it could be an exciting three-pronged race in the Bundesliga for the championship this season.”"

Matthäus also gave his verdict on Borussia Dortmund’s two big summer signings. He heaped praise on Gregor Kobel, and said that the former Stuttgart goalkeeper “oozes confidence towards his defenders.” The 60 year old also backed Donyell Malen to play an important role this season.

"“With Kobel, they have a quality keeper, in my opinion. I think Kobel has great potential. If he continues to develop the way he has been, I think Dortmund will be set in that goalkeeper position for the foreseeable future.”“You can become champions with a keeper like that. He has shown that at Stuttgart. He has the right build – he is composed on the line. He oozes confidence towards his defenders.”“With Malen, they have a player who has shown what he is capable of at Eindhoven. He’s dangerous in front of goal, he can assist well, he has pace.”"

Borussia Dortmund begin their Bundesliga campaign at home to Eintracht Frankfurt this weekend. While Bayern Munich take on Borussia Mönchengladbach a day earlier. The two Bundesliga giants will then face off for the DFL-Supercup next week. And that game could well be a fascinating precursor to the title race.