Nico Schlotterbeck determined to be more consistent in the second half of the season

Nico Schlotterbeck is determined to add more consistency to his game in the second half of the season after a rather inconsistent start to his Borussia Dortmund career.

Nico Schlotterbeck joined Borussia Dortmund from SC Freiburg in the summer transfer window amid great expectations. Considered to be one of the most talented young defenders in Germany, there was hope that the 23 year old would help solidify the BVB back-line this season.

Schlotterbeck has certainly delivered on the promise he showed during his breakout campaign with SC Freiburg last season. But he has also been prone to making some careless mistakes in defence.

The Germany international feels right at home at Borussia Dortmund, and is relishing the pressure that comes with being at a big club. In an interview with WAZ, Schlotterbeck said:

"“For me, Borussia Dortmund is one of the biggest clubs in the world. I want to continue to develop further. There’s a lot of pressure at Dortmund. I didn’t have that at my other clubs.”“We are footballers, we have to try and deal with the pressure. We live for it, we earn our money for it. We have to put up with that.”"

Borussia Dortmund go into the Rückrunde having conceded 21 goals in their first 15 Bundesliga matches. And Schlotterbeck believes that he was too inconsistent in the first half of the season. But the defender is now determined to cut back on the errors and work on improving his game.

"“I was too inconsistent in the Bundesliga. My game involves taking a lot of risks. I have tried to cut back on these risks in recent years. But of course I made two or three too many mistakes. I have to keep working on it and I’m convinced that my development isn’t over yet.”"

Nico Schlotterbeck is also enjoying playing under Edin Terzic. And he is eager to repay the confidence the Borussia Dortmund head coach has shown in him so far.

"“Edin Terzic has used me in every game. The coach has shown a lot of confidence in me, even though I’m still so young. I just haven’t been able to repay as much of it as I would have liked. I’m trying to make up for that now.”"

Schlotterbeck no doubt has the potential to establish himself as a crucial part of the Borussia Dortmund defence for years to come. And it will be interesting to see how his development unfolds in the coming months and years.