Post-Match Reaction: Depleted Dortmund Lackluster in Scoreless Draw
Photo by THOMAS KIENZLE/AFP via Getty Images
That?s the second draw this season against Bundesliga newcomers, Heidenheim Dortmund were aiming for a fourth consecutive win today but failed to do so. I won?t bog you down with a match recap, (Spoiler Warning: Nothing happened) but this is Dortmund?s first 0-0 draw in the Bundesliga in four years. Anyway, here?s my reaction.
Same Old, Same Old.
Which part of this game felt so familiar" Tactically, I suppose it made sense to continue with two strikers up front and keep the same defensive line, but the team completely failed to adapt to Heidenheim?s approach. Whenever Dortmund are faced with a high press from their opponents, they struggle, especially offensively. JBG is still developing, and Malen is not dynamic enough for most one-on-ones unless he can utilize speed alone. While the double pivot of Sabitzer and Özcan did well to maintain possession, much of that possession was less than impactful, in plays that stagnated rather than progressed. Throughout this match, Dortmund maintained long stretches with the ball but rarely mustered anything meaningful. In recent years, Dortmund?s bane has been the newly promoted teams. We see it every season, and here it is again. Two matches, two draws against the league newcomers. To Heidenheim?s defense, they?re now sitting in ninth place, well above the relegation zone; impressive for a newly promoted side.
Photo by THOMAS KIENZLE/AFP vi...
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