Marco Reus after Leverkusen defeat: A disastrous day for Borussia Dortmund

Marco Reus has labeled Borussia Dortmund’s 5-2 defeat at home to Bayer Leverkusen as a disastrous day for the club.

Borussia Dortmund were left embarrassed on Sunday afternoon, as they suffered a 5-2 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen at the Signal Iduna Park. The Black and Yellows were handed a stark reality check, as goals from Florian Wirtz, Robert Andrich, Jonathan Tah and Moussa Diaby handed Leverkusen a swashbuckling win.

Marco Reus did not mince his words after the final whistle, and said that it was a disastrous day for Borussia Dortmund. The BVB captain added that they were a step too late in all aspects of the game over the course of the 90 minutes, and that they must show a different body language.

"“It was a disastrous day for us. We didn’t get into the game at all. We were always one step too late, both defensively and in our pressing. Overall, it was not good enough. We prepared for the game for two weeks and worked on a lot of things. We always say the same things and we just have to bring them onto the pitch – but we didn’t manage that at all today.”“At some point, it’s also a mental problem because we think about it too much. It’s like a blockade. We needed to show a different body language, especially after the break.”"

Borussia Dortmund head coach Marco Rose felt that his side never really looked like they were in the game. He also lamented his team’s lack of composure on the ball in the first half, and added that they need to analyse things and work on fixing the defensive issues as a team.

"“It felt like we were never really in the game and the defeat is a bitter one. We had too little composure and clarity in the first half. We hardly had any scoring chances and it is a well deserved win for Leverkusen.”“We will analyse things and push forward with our development. Development also includes setbacks, but we have to work hard and stand together. We have to take the next steps as a team. That’s the only solution there is.”"

The defeat means that Borussia Dortmund are now nine points behind Bayern Munich in the race for the Bundesliga title. While their hopes of winning the Bundesliga title this season have now all but evaporated, Marco Rose’s side will have to improve quickly if they want to ensure that they finish second in the table.

Borussia Dortmund are now just five points clear of third placed Bayer Leverkusen. And with some tricky games coming up in the next few weeks, they simply cannot afford any more slip-ups.