Suffering in Gelsenkirchen brings no advantage to one's own misfortune.
Glancing at the football match happening at Dortmund's stadium on a Friday evening, the competitors appear to be on trial for squandering potential. The atmosphere in the Ruhr area is far from pleasant at the moment. Although Borussia Dortmund and VfL Bochum, the two opponents on Friday, can take comfort in their better performance compared to FC Schalke 04, it's of little consolation when their own situation is dismal.
Both clubs are still reeling from the shock of their recent performances. Bochum allowed Aufsteiger Holstein Kiel to steal two points from them and played poorly for long stretches, leaving the spectators questioning whether this team can win a game this season. While a win may eventually come, it's uncertain if it will be in this small derby at the BVB stadium.
Meanwhile, the BVB team, led by coach Nuri Sahin, is not exactly parading through the streets of Dortmund with heads held high, believing they can conquer every opponent. The team's performances have been disappointing, as shown by their defeat at the hands of VfB Stuttgart, which put a halt to their claims of being a top team. As a result, the 5th matchday will indeed be a critical moment, with the theme: "Strained systems." The warning signs are flashing at both clubs in the Ruhr area. Crisis is no longer an unfamiliar term, even for the famed steel giant Thyssen-Krupp.
Sabitzer and Beier's Struggles
At BVB, expectations were high for this season. Edin Terzic, who was often criticized for lacking a clear vision, managed to secure a near-victory in the Champions League. He started, with Sahin taking over and generating excitement. While he asked for patience, the environment had already progressed further. The transfers had raised high expectations, but something still needed to be found: Waldemar Anton and Serhou Guirassy joined, Pascal Groß replaced Germany's Toni Kroos, and Maxi Beier filled the role of Thomas Müller.
However, just like a rocket launch, there were problems. Either the weather wasn't cooperating, which can't be blamed on BVB, or something didn't ignite. The Dortmunders can indeed claim that something wasn't ignited for themselves. Sahin is constantly searching for the mistake and keeps coming up with new lineups and game plans. Not everyone is satisfied with this. Marcel Sabitzer, for instance, doesn't like his role on the wing. Beier, on the other hand, has no role at all. Other players are struggling with form or expectations, like Felix Nmecha. Everything is in a state of flux and stuck behind a dam, moving slowly. Sometimes, Jamie Gittens comes to the rescue for BVB, while other times, it's Karim Adeyemi. The team looks great in good moments, but too often, it's dismal.
Sahin downplays the situation, promising that there will never be another repeat of the Stuttgart incident. If it were to happen soon, it would be uncomfortable for the young Dortmund player. Already, whispers of a mentality problem are circulating: "It would be catastrophic if I said the boys have a mentality problem," said Sahin: "We're in this together. We win and lose together. We're in the same boat." He sees a self-critical response from his team, which he believes is essential for their growth. After four games, they're five points behind table leaders FC Bayern, who face Bayer Leverkusen in a crucial match this Saturday. If BVB wants to keep up in the race for the trophy, they can't afford to fall too far behind in points, and Bochum can't be an obstacle.
VfL Bochum Crushes Delicate Dreams
With the autumn wind howling, Peter Zeidler, VfL Bochum's head coach, stands resolute. The focus has shifted quickly from fragile dreams of European Cup participation to existential threats of relegation from the first league. Just before the season began, VfL had crushed French Ligue 1 side AC Le Havre 6-0, leaving Bochum amazed. Such a performance seemed improbable! Big dreams were dreamt, but reality in late September is different: a cup exit to SSV Jahn Regensburg and a mere point against Kiel (2:2).
The resemblances between Bochum and Dortmund's sister team, VfL, are apparent. Similar to Bochum, VfL was optimistic about their transfers as well. Yet, significant losses were made, such as Kevin Stöger, the instrumental figure behind last season's triumph, who departed to Düsseldorf, causing Fortuna to stumble. Stöger helped VfL return to the Bundesliga, a position they seemed to have lost forever. Another key player, Keven Schlotterbeck, moved to Augsburg. However, VfL managed to secure replacements like Ibrahima Sissoko and Dani de Wit, both renowned stars from France and the Netherlands. The duo was in high demand. Myron Boadu, a promising Dutchman and a former Dutch national team member, also joined the team, aiming to revive his form in the Bundesliga. Bochum is banking on a mutually beneficial situation, but with a loan player like Boadu, success could potentially be too costly.
Despite Boadu's impressive performance, VfL is still far from achieving significant success. Unlike Zeidler, whom they envisioned leading them to a prosperous future in Bochum, inspired by the successful TV format with Arnd Zeigler on WDR, Zeidler's novel diamond system hasn't materialized yet. In spite of promising starts, such as the close loss against RB Leipzig or phases against SC Freiburg, de Wit, a formidable offensive force in the Eredivisie, has yet to make an impact in his new role. Other players are also grappling with their positions and form. VfL requests patience for their rebuilt squad, but time is football's least valued currency. Without points, time is a bitter adversary.
"We believe in the opportunity to make a difference in Dortmund," Zeidler declared before the small derby: "We can only win." A Derby-like moment akin to April 2022 could be beneficial, when VfL emerged victorious against Dortmund with a score of 4-1. This would be Zeidler's first Bundesliga win as a coach and would also challenge Dortmund's stability. Sahin remains resolute, stating: "We all have a responsibility and hopefully, we've learned our lessons. We must earn the three points." 80,000 spectators will be present, 8,000 supporters cheering for Bochum. A derby is a derby, even if the mood is as melancholic as a bicycle ride in incessant rain along the Rhine Escarpment, traversing the heights of the Ardey Mountains, which separate Bochum from Dortmund.
Nuri Sahin, the coach of Borussia Dortmund, is facing challenges with his team, as they struggle to ignite their performances and live up to expectations. Players like Marcel Sabitzer and Maxi Beier are not entirely satisfied with their roles and form.
Despite the struggles of both teams, Borussia Dortmund and VfL Bochum, the upcoming derby is a critical moment for both clubs. Sahin is aware of the importance of avoiding another repeat of their defeat at the hands of VfB Stuttgart, as they aim to keep up in the race for the trophy.
