Nils Petersen: Inconsistency is Borussia Dortmund's biggest issue

Nils Petersen does not see Borussia Dortmund as a potential threat to Bayern Munich or Bayer Leverkusen amid their lack of consistency in the first half of the season.

Borussia Dortmund struggled to keep pace with the leading clubs in the Bundesliga during the first half of the season, and find themselves well off the pace going into the winter break. The Black and Yellows are currently 15 points shy of league leaders Bayer Leverkusen, and six behind fourth placed RB Leipzig.

Former SC Freiburg, Werder Bremen, and Bayern Munich striker Nils Petersen believes that Borussia Dortmund have been plagued by a lack of consistency all year long. The 35 year old does not think that BVB have been able to develop in the desired manner.

In an interview with Sky Sport, Petersen said, "Dortmund's biggest problem is inconsistency. Not every new signing has made an impact. Sometimes Süle is on the bench, sometimes Reus. There can be unrest when big names have to sit on the bench."

"The hoped-for development is simply not happening at BVB. And then the question inevitably arises as to whether BVB's potential and squad quality really make them a serious title contender compared to Bayern or Leverkusen at the moment. As of now: no."

Petersen, who retired earlier this year, also feels that Bayern Munich look a little vulnerable this year and Bayer Leverkusen could take advantage by winning the Bundesliga title. Xabi Alonso's side currently have a four point lead over the Bavarians, although they have played one more game. "Bayern have become a little more vulnerable. They're okay as a team, but one or two players like Joshua Kimmich seem to be lacking the confidence to completely dominate the game at the moment," Petersen said.

The second half of the 2023/24 Bundesliga season will begin on January 12, with Bayern Munich taking on TSG Hoffenheim.