Niklas Sule's altered state surprises at BVB
Niklas Süle makes it difficult for Borussia Dortmund at times. The defender often battles with weight issues. According to reports, he struggled with this issue even at the Bundesliga club. However, he has now returned fit for the training start of Borussia Dortmund.
Wow, is that really Niklas Süle? Even Hans-Joachim Watzke, the club boss, had to take a close look. The defender appeared top-fit for the training start of Borussia Dortmund on this Thursday. "I thought: My god, we have a new player," Watzke told the "Bild" newspaper. It is reported that the national team player lost eight to ten kilos in the summer break.
According to various media reports, Süle hired a personal chef who accompanied him on a multi-week vacation in Mallorca. Personal trainer Jana Kiese also reportedly joined them. The results were evident. "It's impressive how he managed that. I prefer it when someone admits a mistake and takes appropriate measures. That's cool," Watzke added.
Süle has not made things easy for Borussia Dortmund in the past. His potential is undeniable, but his weight issues have so far prevented him from being an undisputed expert. At the beginning of the year, he suffered a setback. "I think it will gradually click now," said sporting director Sebastian Kehl. "We had hoped for more in the last few months. Niklas can do more, that's what I expect from him in the coming months." He reportedly had many conversations with Süle. "He is very determined to work on it," Kehl said, responding to the ongoing criticism of Süle's fitness condition. However, this did not bear fruit before the summer break.
Clear message to Süle in the summer
Guided by a new trainer, Nuri Sahin has been promoted from assistant to head coach, replacing Edin Terzic. And the task is not simple: The Dortmund regulars Marco Reus and Mats Hummels are gone, and new signing Waldemar Anton, as well as Serhou Guirassy, whose transfer from Stuttgart has been delayed due to injury, are still not there.
While Anton, like the other national team players, is expected to arrive in Dortmund at the end of July, Sahin observed the players around Julian Brandt and Süle attentively on the training ground in Dortmund-Brackel on Thursday morning. "We don't have to worry about his qualities. And if he manages to get that and stabilize it, then he, in the condition he is in now, will also play a good role. He will also be a good player for the national team again. He is a giant in central defense," Watzke praised.
After the season, clear words were given "from the sporting leadership" to Süle, Watzke explained. "It wasn't confrontational. Niklas had reached a point where he saw that it would lead to a dead end, and it was about providing support," the 65-year-old revealed. "The hand that was extended to him, he grasped and that was impressive."
Niklas Sule's weight issues have been a challenge for him even at Borussia Dortmund in the Football-Bundesliga. Hergered by the club's leadership, Sule addressed his fitness concerns during the summer break, leading to a significant improvement and his return to top shape for the start of Borussia Dortmund's training.
Despite facing some challenges in the past, Borussia Dortmund coach Nuri Sahin is impressed with Niklas Sule's current form and potential, praising his ability to play a good role in the team and even secure a place in the national team's central defense.
