We will be without Meunier, Schulz and Håland, but we also have to quickly get over our midweek loss to Ajax and win this game.
Kobel Pongracic Akanji Hummels Wolf Can Hazard Bellingham Brandt Reus Malen Hazard and Wolf as wingbacks might not be the worst idea given the circumstances. I wonder whether they can offer some danger over the wings which is one of our weak points this season. Not the lineup one usually likes to see but nevertheless enough individual quality. We need Malen to be productive.
Rather lucky penalty in how the situation developed converted by Can. But there were also phases with Bielefeld dominating us
2:0 at halftime, not a great game. Brandt looked good (against the ball as well) but otherwise the offense struggles with Malen being the weakest link again. Can is better than Witsel but we still have no midfield to relieve the pressure in our buildup from defense or as a line of defense against fast Bielefeld attacks.
I'm glad to see Can at the 6 spot. He should always be there ahead of Witsel. Good effort from Brandt. He needs to continue gaining confidence. We need to continue giving Malen a chance too. Hazard should only play backup wingback. He's just OK there. Please don't play him up front. Knauff can play winger ahead of him. Bellingham is a mystery. He is not really a great 8 because he always wants to push forward and will often leave space behind him. And then he finishes like he did for his goal! Is he becoming a 10?? Definitely a big talent, but one that doesn't fit into typical midfield roles. Or maybe he should just learn to play the 8 position better. Don't know!
I missed this match, but the Bellingham is definitely becoming a great 10. He reminds me a lot of Gérard and has the same problems in not being a proper 8. In an ideal situation we should be molding him to replace Reus as a new 10. However, we know he is never going to stay at the club. We need to think long and hard about what we do. Either he commits and he becomes our new 10 or we let him go. Dahoud is badly needed to play alongside Can. I have addressed the Bellingham problem previously. Malen is a serious issue and we always knew this was going to be the case. It was a stupid signing, because there's always a gamble when buying talent, but we just didn't need him. We had several other problem areas and were desperate for a winger. Unfortunately Hudson-Odoi is now going to get a great run in the Chelsea team so unlikely we can get him in January. I still think Sarr and Raphinha are both possible or we can even look at the Ajax winger again. We need that for the balance of the team. However great to get another win.
I think Malen needs time and coaching. However it’s very bad that we have to rely on him to play CF for an extended period, hopefully Rose can cook up a clear and defined role for him. With Jude it would be nice if he stuck around, especially since he seems to connect so well with his colleagues and supporters. His passion and imagination on the field is infectious, and the pace of his development is frightening. Can had a nice bounce back game. If he can bring that kind of crisp, professional display every game instead of trying too hard to be some kind of inspirational firebrand I think he has quite a bit to offer.
Hi Dortmund fans! A friend and I, we are both Ajaxfans, have bought tickets for the game next week throught internet. They are in Kat 5, which after some research we found out, is your famous Gelbe Wand! On one hand we are thrilled for the experience, but on the otherhand a bit scared for hooligans. I assume you have those as well, or are Dortmund more civilized than most clubs? We are in doubt to go incognito, as going in an Ajax jersey would be stupid, or to resell them and try to get tickets in another part of the stadium. What would be your advice in this? Thanks in advance for your answer, peace from Amsterdam
First rule of common sense is to never wear fan gear from a team when you are in the section of the opposing fans. That should even be a recommendation that comes with your ticket. If you are in the Gelbe Wand of all sections, I'd probably go even further and not go without Dortmund colors just to avoid any trouble. Often, it's not a problem when supporters of both teams mingle and sit together. Sadly, although things have gotten better, there's still some animosity between German and Dutch fans from time to time with some potential for clashes between stupid hooligans so things might be spicier. I never went personally but members of my family did with cards for the opposing team as Dortmund supporters. Naturally, they went without fan gear and had no problems with either fan groups.