Borussia Dortmund's tactical flaws in draw against Bayer Leverkusen
By Ali Boty
Time to Change the Approach?
Criticism has been mounting against Edin Terzic's tactical choices, as he has failed to prepare the team for big Bundesliga clashes. The coach's preference of a defensive style of play would not be an issue if the team was built for it and was pulling results.
This style has also not resonated well with the players. Despite possessing players adept at a possession-oriented and free-flowing game, and despite possessing a team that boasts the likes of Marco Reus, Gio Reyna, Julian Brandt, and Marcel Sabitzer, Dortmund's tactics appear to stifle their strengths.
After the match, Julian Brandt was vocal about his disappointment in the team’s lack of attacking presence and indirectly suggested it may be time to switch up the approach, stating the following:
"If we look at the scoring chances, the corners and the share of play, then we're happy to take the point. We were very tight in order to control the two Leverkusen midfielders. When we won the ball, we therefore didn't get wide as quickly. But we also gave the ball away too easily at times...Leverkusen deserved the win more than we did. I'm glad that we fought for this point."
- Julian Brandt
Team captain Emre Can alsto chimed in, stating that:
"We [Dortmund] could have done more in attack. We have to be able to move better with the ball and make fewer mistakes."
- Emre Can
The performance, it has to be said, was not entirely poor however. It was an excellent defensive showing from BVB with key performances from Mats Hummels, Gregor Kobel, and Julian Ryerson. Football, however, is a two-sided game. You cannot focus on one side and neglect the other, and right now the offense of our team needs more work.
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Fans will closely look at what Edin Terzic will try next as Dortmund faces important matches coming up. There's a growing call for a more dynamic approach to maximize their offensive potential. The result against Leverkusen prompts questions about Terzic's adaptability and the need for a reevaluation of tactics for the upcoming Bundesliga challenges.