Terzic threatens to let the crisis BVB slip away for good
The pressure is increasing for BVB coach Terzić. The coach himself feels the same. Against Leipzig, he once again demands a reaction. He defends himself against criticism for playing too defensively. A long-written-off professional and an U17 world champion are now being given a chance.
There is no sign of a sensual Advent season at Borussia Dortmund - and another setback in the crisis duel against RB Leipzig could really set the tree alight. "Every coach is under pressure to win games and collect points. We know that the pressure is naturally a little greater in Dortmund, and of course I can feel that too," said Edin Terzić ahead of the chasing duel against the Saxons on Saturday (18:30 on Sky and in the live ticker at ntv.de).
The BVB coach has been criticized for his team's "scaredy-cat" soccer in the lucky point win in Leverkusen and the sobering cup exit in Stuttgart. The accusation is that this style of play is not in the club's DNA. Terzić showed some understanding. Barricading yourself in defense is not "the DNA of our team, we know that too", said the 41-year-old. However, his approach in Stuttgart was not "destructive and defensive". "The biggest problem was what we did in possession. That meant we had to defend a lot," said Terzić.
"That's not the DNA of our team either"
However, he also admitted: "Against Munich, for example, we also conceded a lot of chances." After the experience of the crushing 4-0 defeat to FC Bayern just over a month ago, he therefore only opted for a more defensive approach against the league leaders, who were also strong in attack. However, this is by no means the general new approach. In any case, the list of deficiencies at the runners-up is long. In the past five league games, they have only managed one win. BVB has lost its identity and its footballing development is questionable.
Some of the professionals also appear overplayed, and leading players such as captain Emre Can are currently out of their depth. Alternatives? Few and far between. So Thomas Meunier, who has already been withdrawn, is getting a new chance. "He's done exceptionally well in training recently," Terzić said of the Belgian, who seemed to have run out of options after the signings of Julian Ryerson and Ramy Bensebaini, who has been hugely disappointing so far. Now he's getting them after all. "It's now about him making the most of it," said Terzić. "We now have a situation where many players have left us within days."
"We will start another series now"
However, Terzić is combative ahead of the reunion with former coach Marco Rose. "We started a great run two years ago, we started a run in the second half of the season. We'll start a streak again now," assured Terzić. The clear task for him and the team is to bring consistency. "It's my job in particular to think about solutions," said Terzić. He should find them quickly. The radiant Champions League face this season does not yet make those responsible around managing director Hans-Joachim Watzke doubt the coach. But if they lose touch with the top flight in the league, that could change. A defeat against RB would see the DFB Cup winners in fourth place pull away to four points.
"If the results aren't right, things quickly become unsettled - especially with such an ambitious club," said Rose. He therefore expects an "open fight" against "angry Dortmund", who "won't put up with the negative press". However, the Black & Yellows' personnel problems are getting worse. After Felix Nmecha, Ryerson (inner ligament injury in the knee) and Youssoufa Moukoko (torn muscle fiber in the thigh) are also out for the rest of the year. Flexible Marius Wolf (ankle problem) is also unlikely to play against Leipzig.
In view of the personnel situation, U17 World Cup winner Paris Brunner will be part of the professional squad for the first time on Saturday. "That's the clear plan," revealed Terzic. The youngster was suspended a few weeks ago for an unspecified incident, but has since been reprieved and should be full of confidence after winning the World Cup in Indonesia. His match plan will also have to work if he is to create a little contemplative mood before the second Advent.
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Despite the criticism for his defensive style, Terzic continues to face pressure as BVB coach. He acknowledges that playing defensively isn't in the team's DNA, but attributes their poor performance in Stuttgart to issues with ball possession. Despite this, he's giving a chance to Thomas Meunier, who has been doing well in training, and planning to include U17 World Cup winner Paris Brunner in the professional squad due to personnel issues, hoping to bring some positive energy ahead of the Match against RB Leipzig in the soccer league.
Source: www.ntv.de
