Out in the cup, setback in the Bundesliga. Hardly any other Bundesliga team presents the opponent more often than BVB. The confidence that emerged after a good start of the second half of the year evaporated within a week. The 3: 4 in Leverkusen revealed the weaknesses.
Dortmund (dpa) - Borussia Dortmund is back in frustration mode. Even Emre Can had thoroughly lost the joy of his dream goal. "You don't win games like this," complained the new signing after the 3: 4 (2: 2) in Leverkusen.
That his new team once again acted like a champion on the offensive, but once again acted more like a relegation candidate in the defense and gave away the win in the furious final phase within just 81 seconds, made the international think: "The team has a lot of potential, But there is one more thing to learn: If you take the lead, you have to be dirtier, in German.
Although Can has been wearing the black and yellow jersey for less than two weeks, he has recognized the main problem at BVB. Like four days earlier at the cup knockout in Bremen (2: 3), Borussia suffered a setback after three wins with five goals each, even in the Bundesliga title fight - as the actually better team. Not only Juventus Torin's former professional footballer, but Sebastian Kehl also looked extremely upset. "It was a week to forget," complained the head of the licensed player, accusing the team of being "stupid".
Even the spectacular shot from Can (33rd) from around 30 meters into the goal angle to make it 2-1 or the second lead by Raphael Guerreiro's goal (65th) to 3-2 brought no security. "It doesn't help me if we lose in the end," Can commented on his first Bundesliga goal since May 2014, at that time for Leverkusen.
The bare numbers document the dilemma. BVB scored a remarkable 20 goals in the first five competitive games of the second half of the season, but also conceded eleven. Even the third last from Düsseldorf had to concede three fewer goals in this period. Sports director Michael Zorc looked perplexed: "This has been with us for a bit longer. We are too passive at the decisive moments and get too many goals. That is why we are not in a better position at the moment."
The fact that playmaker Julian Brandt limped out of the stadium after the game and could drop out next to captain Marco Reus due to an ankle injury increased the frustration. "This game is difficult to digest," said well-known coach Lucien Favre, who could be criticized again in the coming weeks. Even the return to a chain of four and the use of two defensive midfielders did not help to provide more defensive stability. "We can be a top international team, but we are not if we let the opponent play again and again," said defensive boss Mats Hummels.
On the other hand, the table neighbors from Leverkusen, who were given such gifts, were in high spirits. It fit into the picture of a victory that was won with great commitment, but also with plenty of luck, that the stricken and therefore shortly to be replaced Lars Bender set the end point with his header to 4: 3 (82nd). "He told me to give me another minute and then he'll score," said coach Peter Bosz after his first win over his former club from Dortmund.
Like most spectators, the Dutch football teacher was enthusiastic about the spectacle on the lawn. "If you love football, it was a game you can enjoy," enthused Bosz. He aptly added: "Unless you're a Borussia Dortmund fan."
Quotes about the game on the BVB homepage
Game facts on the BVB homepage
Quotes about the game on Bayer's homepage