Alcácer set sights on being the yellow peril gunning for Bayern’s title

Alcácer set sights on being the yellow peril gunning for Bayern’s title

When Paco Alcácer sealed the deal to switch permanently from Barcelona to BVB all the signs were that the partnership was one which was going to flourish. The goal-getter had already agreed to move to Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park stadium from the Nou Camp on a season-long loan after finding his chances of regular first-team football rather limited at the Catalan giants. But his integration couldn’t have gone any better and it didn’t take long for both parties to agree on a permanent five-year contract with a transfer fee of €23million. Having just missed out on the title to Bayern Munich, the marksman will redouble his efforts in front of goal next season.

The decision was an easy one and easily justified, too, with the marksman finishing a profitable season with 18 goals, 12 of which he snared from the subs’ bench. But it should come as no surprise to fans of the former Valencia ace, who is still only aged 25, that he lives for scoring goals.

He remembers:

“Scoring goals was the thing that I always liked most of all. I really never played in either midfield or defence — I was always a striker. At some point, of course, you start to think that you might be able to do it at the very highest level. For me, that was when I took part in pre-season training with Valencia and I was aged 16. That was the moment. You start thinking about becoming a professional.

“You simply adjust your lifestyle accordingly. You just stop going out with friends so much, and pay more attention to your body and diet. And you plan your career. It’s also important to have the support of your parents and family to build your confidence and hope that you can go on to achieve something in football.”

He has certainly achieved great things so far and, of course, BVB supporters will tell you there is more to come. Alcácer has spoken of the thrilling atmosphere provided by the passionate fans and we know just how important the club believe this fervent support to be when it comes to the concept of a 12th man. Indeed, the fantastic “Yellow Wall” is revered through the game.

And signalling their intent to maintain that atmosphere the club have wasted little time in cancelling some 500 or so season tickets that belong to fans who have not been showing up to games. The tickets were taken from the holders who didn’t pitch up to at least seven of the 17 Bundesliga home games in the last campaign.

The club are fully aware that there is a long list of supporters who are keen to snap up a season ticket and replace the fans who have not been attending. And with prices for these season tickets around the £200 mark, it is easy to see why!