Dortmund’s Defensive Concerns Highlighted Ahead of Champions League Match

omidbasir- Borussia Dortmund experienced a disappointing draw against VfB Stuttgart, relinquishing a 2-0 lead before conceding a last-minute equalizer, thereby losing valuable ground to Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich.

In anticipation of Dortmund’s UEFA Champions League match against Villarreal, captain Emre Can addressed concerns regarding the team’s defensive performance.

“We must maintain our concentration in the final minutes of matches,” Can stated. “Of course, fatigue can play a role, but each player needs to exert extra effort, even when it feels challenging.”

He added, “It’s not merely a matter of desire. I am optimistic that we will improve in our future performances.”

While Dortmund has received praise for their defensive efforts this season, their late-game struggles against Stuttgart have raised questions about their mentality. In the current Champions League phase, only Union Saint-Gilloise, Copenhagen, and Ajax have conceded more goals than Dortmund.

Can returned to the pitch for consecutive games for the first time this season after recovering from an adductor injury. Reflecting on his fitness, the 31-year-old remarked, “I am not yet at 100 percent. After an extended injury, it takes several weeks to regain full match fitness.”

Dortmund’s captain is expected to play alongside Waldemar Anton and Nico Schlotterbeck in the upcoming match, expressing his versatility: “I thoroughly enjoy playing in a defensive role. It allows me to see the entire field, which suits my playing style well. I feel very comfortable in that position at the moment. However, if the coach places me in a more central role, I will give my all there as well.”