Dortmund’s Defensive Struggles and Emre Can’s Commitment Ahead of Champions League Clash

Borussia Dortmund relinquished a 2-0 advantage against VfB Stuttgart, only to regain the lead before conceding a late equalizer in the 90+1 minute. This result has caused them to lose ground in the race against Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich.

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

“We must be present in the final minutes of the game,” Can stated. “While it’s true that we’re fatigued, every player needs to exert that extra effort, even if it is challenging. It is not a matter of desire. I’m hopeful we can improve moving forward.”

Despite receiving praise for their defensive displays this season, the late goals conceded against VfB have raised questions about the team’s mentality. In this Champions League phase, only Union Saint-Gilloise, Copenhagen, and Ajax have allowed more goals than Dortmund.

Can, who recently returned from an adductor injury, participated in consecutive matches for the first time this season. Regarding his fitness, the 31-year-old remarked, “I’m not at 100 percent yet. Recovering from a long injury takes time and it may take a few weeks to return to full fitness.”

Expected to play alongside Waldemar Anton and Nico Schlotterbeck, Can expressed his versatility, saying, “I genuinely enjoy playing in defense. I find it gratifying to have the entire field in front of me, and I feel quite comfortable in that role. However, if the coach assigns me a number six position, I will give my utmost effort there as well.”