After making some smart summer signings, Borussia Dortmund have high hopes to pry the Bundesliga title away from the hands of Bayern Munich in the 2019/20 season. Lucien Favre’s side has the talent to do just that but will need to gel quickly and avoid hitting another midseason slump. This Borussia Dortmund season preview reveals the task in hand for Favre and his side.
Borussia Dortmund Season Preview
A Surprise Year
Borussia Dortmund shocked many last season with an excellent Bundesliga campaign, narrowly missing out on the Bundesliga title. Though few would have touted them to finish top of the German league at the beginning of the season, the Black and Yellows have to be disappointed in failing to secure the title after entering the winter break with a hefty lead over their league rivals.
Their disappointment will be hedged by the fact that they entered last season with no such lofty expectations. That they even challenged for the Bundesliga title serves as proof that this team is ready to retake their position among Europe’s elite.
Back for Revenge (With a Few New Faces)
Unlike the last campaign, Dortmund enter into the 2019/20 season with one goal in mind: win the Bundesliga title. This is most evident by the many new additions already made by the club this summer.
After selling Christian Pulisic to Chelsea in January, BVB have well filled any void left behind by the American. Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder/winger Julian Brandt and Borussia Monchengladbach star Thorgan Hazard represent two dynamic and exciting offensive additions. The duo will instantly improve Favre’s options in attack.
Nico Schulz also joined the Black and Yellows in a €25.5 million move from TSG Hoffenheim. The 26-year-old will offer some much-needed dynamism at left-back. Perhaps most importantly, however, Dortmund have brought back Mats Hummels from Bayern Munich. His experience, winning mentality, leadership, and familiarity will be key in sealing up Dortmund’s leaky backline.
These four big additions will combine perfectly with Borussia Dortmund’s already talented corps of players. Together, they’ll work toward their goal of dethroning Bayern for the first time since 2012.
Players to Watch
Aside from the club’s new signings, there are a few players who are key to Lucien Favre’s system. Team captain and attacking lynchpin Marco Reus will remain the star man for the Black and Yellows going forward.
Axel Witsel, meanwhile, provides some important steel to a very attack-minded midfield. The Belgian had a fantastic first season in Dortmund and is set to continue playing a key role for Lucien Favre in the upcoming campaign.
With Hummels providing some experience to go alongside Dortmund’s band of young centre-back talents, the biggest question in defence has to be over goalkeeper Roman Burki. The Swiss shot-stopper had a solid 2018/19 campaign. Nevertheless, he often mars his moments of brilliance with moments of equal stupidity. Burki must offer much more of the former than the latter if he hopes to add a Bundesliga trophy to his resume at the end of the season.
Great Expectations
While Dortmund got their summer business done early, Bayern have stalled in the transfer market. As it stands, last year’s runners-up will feel fairly confident of their chances to dethrone the Bavarian giants this season. And they should aim for nothing less. This season could offer their last realistic opportunity to do so for a while.
It will not be easy, though. Even a weakened Bayern Munich will see themselves as favourites for the German title. But this just might be the year Borussia Dortmund remind their domestic rivals they aren’t the only club in Germany capable of winning the Meisterschale.
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