Jude Bellingham the 'key player' for 'confident and consistent' Dortmund ahead of Chelsea Champions League clash
Updated 06/03/2023 at 22:31 GMT
Borussia Dortmund travel to Chelsea for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie with a 1-0 lead from the first leg at Westfalenstadion, courtesy of Karim Adeyami's wonder goal. Although Adeyemi is missing for the trip to London, a new-look, confident Dortmund should have little to fear from struggling Chelsea, according Eurosport Germany's Tom Mueller.
'Believe it or not, the mood has been positive' - Potter ahead of Dortmund showdown
Karim Adeyemi’s wonderful solo strike at Westfalenstadion was enough to hand Borussia Dortmund a 1-0 win over Chelsea in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
Dortmund now head to London this week and couldn’t be in better shape as they hope to finish the job against Graham Potter’s underperforming side.
Since their return to action following the World Cup break, Dortmund have won 10 matches in a row in all competitions, and will be looking to continue that run at Stamford Bridge and beyond.
As well as eyeing progress in Europe, Dortmund also sit level on points at the top of the Bundesliga alongside Bayern Munich as they look to win their first league title since 2012.
So where has it all gone right for the side recently stuck with the unfavourable tag of underachievers? Eurosport Germany’s Tom Mueller believes its down to a newfound unity and maturity in the team.
'Consistent enough to make a Champions League run'
“To break it down: mentality and consistency," Mueller says of Dortmund's upturn in form.
“Dortmund always has been a very talented team with young players with great potential. The problem in the last years has been that they were not able to show this for a complete season.
“Players were often criticised for their attitude. Now it seems that everybody is throwing everything on the pitch on a week-to-week basis and they are winning the games which they often lost in the last years.”
The results of this change in attitude can be seen on the pitch. The earlier games of the winning run included a 4-3 victory against Augsburg achieved courtesy of a dramatic back and forth encounter, and a stoppage-time 2-1 win over Mainz.
Since then, wins have been much calmer and comfortable, including a 2-1 success over fellow potential challengers RB Leipzig in their most recent game.
Ahead of their return leg against a Chelsea side with just two wins in their last 12 matches and struggling for goals, Dortmund, perhaps underdogs when the draw was made, have every reason to be confident.
“Pretty confident,” agreed Mueller. “Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke told German newspaper Ruhrnachrichten on Sunday: ‘We have the feeling that we can move on in London, that says everything’.
“Director of sports Sebastian Kehl said before the departure: ‘We are going to London with a good feeling and a lot of confidence.’
“After the rollercoaster rides of the last few years, in which you could not be sure if they will win 3-0 or lose 0-3 on the big stage, they are now consistent enough to make a run in the Champions League.”
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'We have seen what potential Chelsea have' - Terzic
Dortmund won't need to adjust tactically for Chelsea
Manager Edin Terzic, who has been at the club since 2018, has seen it all.
Terzic was first an assistant to Lucian Favre, then interim manager after Favre’s dismissal, then technical director following the appointment of Marco Rose, before replacing Rose in the dugout at the start of the current campaign.
Terzic’s time at the club has evidently seen him develop an understanding of what works and how to get the best out of what is undoubtedly a squad packed with talent.
Despite missing first-leg match-winner Adeyemi with an ongoing hamstring injury, Chelsea will still be up against a strong Dortmund team on Tuesday.
“I think Terzic, who is one reason for Dortmund’s recent success, will stick to what worked in the last few games,” predicts Mueller.
“A compact midfield with Emre Can as a pure No. 6, a more defensive orientated Salih Ozcan, and Jude Bellingham as the key player between defence and attack has been the key factor recently, providing a lot more defensive stability, especially when we talk about counter protection.
“Marco Reus and Julian Brandt are in great shape offensively and always dangerous.
“I don't think that any Chelsea player is as good right now, that Dortmund need to adjust their system.
“Of course it hurts that Karim Adeyemi, who was amazing in the first leg, won't play. There is also a big question mark behind [goalkeeper] Gregor Kobel’s availability. But nothing Dortmund couldn't compensate.
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Emre Can celebrates during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig in Dortmund on March 3, 2023
Image credit: Getty Images
As well as the league and Champions League, Dortmund are also in the quarter-finals of the German Cup, but while still a tough proposition in three competitions, Mueller remains cautious about their chances of silverware this season.
“I don't think that there is a priority for Terzic and the team. Dortmund’s squad is big and talented enough to concentrate on both competitions.
“You can see the hunger, they are fighting for every position, keeping up in close games and situations. But I am still pessimistic about winning any silverware. It's just hard to keep up with Bayern for a full season.
"Dortmund knows that and that's why the officials and the coach did not say once this season that they want to compete for the Bundesliga, even though they are tied with Bayern right now.
“The German Cup could be the most realistic option. The Champions League quarters, or maybe semi-finals, would be a huge success after recent seasons.”
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