How will the returns of Nuri Sahin and Sven Bender affect Edin Terzic and Borussia Dortmund?

Tactics

Edin Terzic’s tactical tinkering has been hit or miss this season with formation and system changes looking lacklustre in some matches, but working out brilliantly in others.

Nuri Sahin and Sven Bender could aid in finding a consistent system for the team during the winter break which would help create consistency within the line-up. The Germany U-17 team with Bender as a coach in particular showed a tactical flexibility and defensive solidity that could help Terzic’s tinkering.

Sahin’s favoured formation at Antalyaspor matched Borussia Dortmund's 4-2-3-1. His most important tactical contribution could be in the press. The Black and Yellows have failed to press high this season, mainly defending in a deep block with their initial press traps often being easily bypassed by opposition teams.

Sahin’s Antalyaspor, on the other hand, made 295 high regains in the 22/23 season. This could be key in making Borussia Dortmund appear more proactive without the ball and dynmaic in the build-up play, something that would no doubt appease the players and supporters.

Lame Duck?

While Nuri Sahin and Sven Bender could bring in new ideas and bring back the good vibes at Borussia Dortmund, their presence may also bring ingredients that could create conflict. Edin Terzic will now know that he will not be the head coach next season if he persists with the mistakes he has made over the last 18 months, and will have his task cut out amid media pressure and player frustrations.

If there are any disagreements among the coaching staff and Terzic’s ideas continue to fail, this could lead to a situation in which he holds on to power for too long. The hope for this not occurring is simple, you just need three men who love Borussia Dortmund to maintain professionalism and work together to fix the issues that would help the club get back on track after a woeful first half of the season.