Analysis: Does Edin Terzic have what it takes to lead Borussia Dortmund’s ‘remontada’ this season?

Does Edin Terzic have what it takes to lead a ‘remontada’?

Honestly, I am still not sure about the answer to that question, and, in fact, no one really has. But, after almost leading Dortmund to a title-winning campaign last year, it is fair to say Terzic deserves the benefit of the doubt, even if the current season has gotten off to a poor start.

The young BVB head coach certainly does not have the Bundesliga baggage that other coaches might have, but he has shown some tactical evolution over the last 12 months. The way the team evolved in the second half of last season, optimising players in different functions like Guerreiro and Brandt, showcased promise in Terzic’s repertoire.

Besides, his tactical discipline and variations during a few matches last season were extremely shrewd. One example was that Champions League game against Man City at the Etihad when the players displayed such tactical discipline that, if it wasn’t for Haaland’s individual performance, BVB would probably have won that match.

Of course, Terzic is still not quite there yet. Borussia Dortmund could still become more consistent in terms of pressure strategy and defensive transitions. But he is definitely working on it and evolving after each match. Whether learning on the job is in line with the club’s ambitions is a question for Hans-Joachim Watzke and co. to answer.

But the factor that will be crucial this season is whether he can deal with the pressure from last season and psychologically make the team more stable. More specifically, an absence of a so-called winning mentality and a recurrent loss of confidence when things don’t work out as expected need to be worked on.