Bodo Glimt Draw Shows Same Issues Persist For Dortmund: Defenders Needed In January

It’s been a problem all season long and it really is the same old story. The club’s home Champions League clash last night against Norwegian minnows Bodo Glimt highlighted the defensive frailties that the club has had a problem with consistently.

Offensively, the talent is there; scoring goals is not a problem, though, admittedly, they should have had the match sewn up before their visitors pounced on a defensive error to grab an equaliser.

With the Norwegian domestic season finished, the visitors were able to put up a good fight, while also having had a couple of weeks (uninterrupted), to train and prepare for this game.

It was obvious they have attacking threats, though nothing that a well-drilled and solid defence couldn’t handle.

Attacking Quality And Depth There For All To See

Dortmund lined up with a solid and dynamic central midfield duo that looked threatening from the start. Felix Nmecha has shown his quality already in the Champions League this season and summer signing (and the club’s next big English hope), Jobe Bellingham also showed he is capable of stepping into his older brother’s and former Dortmund player, Jude’s shoes.

However, it was an established club servant, Julian Brandt who showed clinical finishing to open the scoring with the home side executing a counter-attack, symbolic of German efficiency.

The equaliser was soft and highlighted major flaws in the Dortmund defence. A corner taken short before being crossed in, Haitam Aleesami was allowed to run unchecked onto the ball and head into the net. Too easy.

In the second half, we saw Dortmund rally. Brandt tapped in a rebound from close range, before the home side then peppered the away goal, with many chances to put the score very firmly beyond doubt.

Dangerman, Serhou Guirrassy and young talent Karim Adeyemi came off the bench, underlining Dortmund’s offensive strength in depth, though they couldn’t make the desired impact.

Lapse In Concentration Gifts A Goal

With 15 minutes plus change remaining, Jens Petter Hauge pounced on a loose ball that should have been won with more conviction, to put it past the helpless Gregor Kobel in goal.

If not for Kobel, the visitors could have had another and in bizarre circumstances. Nearly everyone in the ground must have wondered what was going through substitute Daniel Svensson’s head as he casually clipped a low cross towards the top corner from the outside of his own box forcing Kobel into a superb, acrobatic save.

Being a Dortmund fan must be so frustrating and, all season long they have had the same problem. Their defence simply is not good enough. It is all very well being able to score goals, which they have no problem doing. Or for that matter, creating chances.

It is at the back (as highlighted against a poorer quality, yet highly motivated away side), where there must surely be concerns. With the exception of Nico Schlotterbeck in that back three, the two other centre-back berths are definitely up for grabs

Going forwards, both wing-backs look threatening, though again, can be all exposed against better quality teams as Juventus highlighted in September during the 4-4 thriller in Turin.

Qualification to the next round looks likely, despite currently being one point off an automatic place. Worst case scenario, they will finish in a play-off place, due their ability to score goals.

In the Bundesliga, they should easily secure Champions League qualification and finishing second is a definite possibility. Winning the league and Champions League is, until they