Borussia Dortmund: There is no substitute for victory

After a strong start that saw BVB dispatch Augsburg (5-1) and FC Köln (3-1), Dortmund’s progress slowed due to a surprise defeat to Union Berlin and the three consecutive draws, which saw tensions rise at the Borsigplatz. The mentality of the team was called into question on several occasions. Furthermore, Hans-Joachim Watzke’s autobiography caused headlines in various tabloid newspapers. In his memoires, Dortmund’s CEO revealed that, prior to the appointment of Lucien Favre, he had considered approaching Jürgen Klopp about the possibility of a return to the club.

Within striking distance of the target

Ahead of the Battle of the Borussias, Jadon Sancho was a major talking point. The England international had returned late from his duties with the Three Lions, and was not included in the squad for the game against Mönchengladbach for disciplinary reasons. “He likes to test the limits from time to time, and then we are there to set the boundaries. We didn’t take this decision lightly,” said Sporting Director Michael Zorc before the game.

After the final whistle, Zorc would only talk about sporting matters. “There is no substitute for victory. The fact that we hadn’t won our previous matches was painful,” was the 57-year-old’s summary. He focussed on the table, “it is really tight at the top. No team is marching on without tripping up. Everything is open and everything is to play for.”

So despite a period of weakness, Dortmund are fourth in the league but only one point behind first place, which Favre, Watzke and Zorc hope should be bathed in a black-and-yellow glow in 34 matchdays’ time. “Our goal must be to become champions,” said captain Marco Reus before the start of this season; Dortmund gave up a nine point lead to Bayern Munich in the last campaign and had to concede the title to the Bavarians.

Prominent additions

Reus’ ambitious goal is in line with the thinking of Dortmund’s board, so a few big signings were made in the summer transfer market. Julian Brandt (Bayer Leverkusen), Thorgan Hazard (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Nico Schulz (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim) and a return to the club for Mats Hummels (Bayern Munich) strengthened an already strong squad, especially in attack.

What the team currently lacks is consistency up top; this much was clear in their 2-0 Champions League defeat to Inter Milan in the San Siro. In the coming weeks, consistency will be absolutely essential, because the Derby is followed by a DFB-Pokal tie with Borussia Mönchengladbach and Bundesliga matches against undefeated Wolfsburg, followed by a trip to Bayern Munich.