Players need to accept responsibility for their performance
There’s not one Dortmund player who had a good match, and to call their individual performances hapless would be an understatement. I’ll start with defense: Gregor Kobel has not had the kind of season we’re used to seeing from him, and it’s time we recognized that he’s struggling for form. He’s never been the best with his feet, but his shot-stopping has been among the best in the world. That hasn’t been the case this season. Waldemar Anton had big shoes to fill when he replaced the departing Mats Hummels, but Anton proved why Dortmund needs another Center back. Actually, the entire backline lacked the quality necessary to compete with elite opposition.
The attack was no better, as our striker, Serhou Guirassy whiffed on the easiest chances created for him, while doing virtually nothing off the ball. Julian Brant, whom I’ve defended tirelessly this season, was a total passenger in this match. He had one really good cross but Guirassy had already drifted offside.
How about the midfield’s double-pivot? Here’s an idea: Give the loan player his second start, and place him beside the player who is making his first start after a long-term injury.