Dortmund’s Defensive Dilemma: Can Calls for Greater Effort

Borussia Dortmund squandered a 2-0 lead against VfB Stuttgart before regaining the advantage, only to concede an equalizer in the 90+1 minute, resulting in a loss of momentum in their pursuit of Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich.

Ahead of Dortmund’s UEFA Champions League matchup against Villarreal, captain Emre Can was asked about the team’s defensive performance.

“We need to be vigilant in the final moments of the game,” Can stated. “Yes, we may feel fatigued, but every player must exert that extra effort, even when it feels challenging.

“It’s not about desire. I hope we can improve moving forward.”

Dortmund has received praise for their defensive displays this season, yet their tendency to concede late goals against VfB has raised concerns about their mental resilience. In the current Champions League phase, only Union Saint-Gilloise, Copenhagen, and Ajax have allowed more goals than Dortmund.

Can, who returned to action after recovering from an adductor injury, commented on his fitness, saying, “I’m not yet at 100 percent. Following a lengthy injury, it takes time to regain full match fitness.”

The Dortmund captain is anticipated to start alongside Waldemar Anton and Nico Schlotterbeck in the upcoming match, but he expressed a willingness to adapt to various roles. “I genuinely enjoy playing defensively,” Can remarked.

“I appreciate the position, as it allows me to see the entire field in front of me. It suits me well.

“At this moment, I feel very comfortable there, but if the coach decides to position me as a number six, I will give my utmost effort in that role as well.”

GGFN | Daniel Pinder