Dortmund’s Defensive Struggles Highlighted Ahead of Champions League Clash

Borussia Dortmund relinquished a 2-0 advantage against VfB Stuttgart before regaining the lead, only to concede an equalizer in the dying moments of the match, which has hindered their pursuit of Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich.

In anticipation of Dortmund’s UEFA Champions League encounter with Villarreal, Emre Can, the team’s captain, addressed concerns regarding their defensive performance. “We must remain vigilant in the final minutes of the game,” Can stated. “While fatigue is a factor, every player must exert themselves and rise to the occasion, even when it is challenging. I hope we will show improvement moving forward.”

Dortmund has received praise for their defensive capabilities this season; however, their late-game lapses against VfB have raised questions about their mental resilience. Currently, in the Champions League, only Union Saint-Gilloise, Copenhagen, and Ajax have conceded more goals than Dortmund in the ongoing league phase.

Can recently returned to the field after recovering from an adductor injury, marking his first consecutive appearances of the season. On his fitness, the 31-year-old remarked, “I am not yet at 100 percent. Recovering from an extended injury requires time to regain full fitness.”

Expected to play alongside Waldemar Anton and Nico Schlotterbeck, Can expressed his versatility and willingness to adapt to different roles. “I truly enjoy playing defensively,” he added. “This position offers me a comprehensive view of the field, and I feel quite at ease there. However, if the coach assigns me to the number six position, I will give my utmost effort there as well.”