Julian Brandt opens up about Borussia Dortmund’s recent struggles

Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Brandt recently gave an interview, delineating a lot of the club’s, as well as his personal struggles and achievements this season.

Borussia Dortmund’s turbulent season took yet another turn this past week with Die Schwarzgelben playing Hannover 96 in the DFB-Pokal. While BVB eventually came out winners, the performance left much to be desired on all fronts. In an interview with Sky Sport, Julian Brandt commented on why this performance happened the way it did, with many of his points lamenting exactly the concerns we’ve spoken about previously this season.

"“We’re making things very complicated with the ball at the moment. We’re not defending consistently enough in many situations. We keep giving the opponent breathing room to create chances.”"

Under the circumstances Borussia Dortmund found themselves in this tie, namely playing a 2. Bundesliga side in the advent of a very disappointing league loss to top of the table Union Berlin, one would expect that they would do quite a bit more to remedy the issues Brandt highlights, especially the defending aspect of their game.

As Brandt mentions, BVB gave Hannover an immense amount of space to create chances; chances that they were lucky Hannover did not capitalize on.

While motivational concerns have been one of the red flags some have pointed to as being the culprit behind Dortmund’s current form, Brandt dismissed such claims, stating that he did not get the sense that there is a lack of motivation in the squad.

"“We’re facing a lot of resistance in all forms at the moment. Whether it’s a team that sits deep, whether it’s a team that’s aggressive, whether it’s a team like Manchester City in the Champions League, who of course attack extremely well. And that constant resistance over 90 minutes. I think that’s an extreme issue with us at the moment.”"

Julian Brandt also indicated that they need to bring the “fun factor” back for the fans. He assured that the players are of course working day by day to improve the current situation and level of performances so that fans, and the team, can truly enjoy the football the club plays again.

"“In addition to the footballing qualities, which we must slowly try to bring back onto the pitch. The fun factor – we have to get the spark back. And I think those are the two really big pillars where we really have to pay attention. And of course it’s not like we’re going to make a huge leap overnight. But step by step we have to succeed again.”"

Brandt also spoke about his own performances this season. In the playmaker’s opinion, he has certainly matured in his game, but recognizes there is still room for improvement:

"“I think I’ve matured a bit more in my whole way of playing. I’ve been working on adjusting one or two things. One is being active with and without the ball. On the other hand, the willingness, which Edin also demands. I feel I have had a few more ball conquests this year than was the case in previous years. As I said, there are still a few screws that can be adjusted further. But everything will happen with time.”"

The Borussia Dortmund and Germany midfielder has 3 goals and 3 assists this season across 14 appearances (965 minutes). Fans will be hopeful that he can continue to build on these performances and step up to the potential and ability he was so lauded for when he initially moved to BVB in 2019. Considering the club’s current situation on and off the pitch, Borussia Dortmund could certainly do with a Julian Brandt on top of his game.