Borussia Dortmund has embarked on a new chapter under the leadership of Nuri Sahin, following the departure of Edin Terzic. Terzic, who guided Dortmund to the Champions League final last season, left amidst concerns from the club’s hierarchy about the team’s lack of overall progress. Despite the success in Europe, Dortmund’s domestic performance was underwhelming, finishing fifth in the Bundesliga, a staggering 27 points behind Bayer Leverkusen. The club only secured a spot in this year’s Champions League due to the revised format, which expanded the German league’s representation to five teams.
Now, Sahin, a former Liverpool midfielder with even less managerial experience than his Bundesliga counterparts, Vincent Kompany and Xabi Alonso, is tasked with revitalizing the team. The hope is that Sahin can elevate Dortmund’s possession game to a level that allows them to dominate matches like Bayern Munich and Leverkusen. The board’s expectations are clear: Dortmund must not only compete but consistently challenge for the Bundesliga title.
A New-Look Squad: Can Sahin Make It Work?
Dortmund was one of the most active teams in the transfer market this summer, bringing in a mix of experience and young talent. The signings of Germany internationals Pascal Gross, Waldemar Anton, and Maximilian Beier, along with Manchester City’s Yan Couto and Stuttgart’s prolific striker Serhou Guirassy, signal the club’s intent to build a squad capable of challenging on all fronts. Guirassy, who was the second-highest scorer in the Bundesliga last season, effectively replaces Niclas Fullkrug, who has moved to West Ham.
The challenge for Sahin will be to integrate these new signings into a cohesive unit. Unlike his predecessor, Sahin cannot rely solely on moments of individual brilliance, especially with the departure of key players like Jadon Sancho. However, Dortmund’s dominant 2-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in their season opener suggests that Sahin is already making strides in getting his new-look team to gel. This performance not only sets a positive tone for the season but also places Dortmund firmly in the conversation for the Bundesliga title. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Sahin to see if he can indeed transform Dortmund into a title-winning side.
Leipzig’s Prospects in the 2024-25 Bundesliga Season
RB Leipzig enters the 2024-25 Bundesliga season as a potential dark horse, poised to challenge the established order at the top of the table. Despite the departure of key playmaker Dani Olmo, the team under manager Marco Rose retains a solid core of players, including the talented Xavi Simons, who continues his loan from Paris Saint-Germain for another year. This continuity in the squad could prove crucial as Rose, now in his second full season with Leipzig, seeks to build on last year’s performance and propel his side into title contention.
However, Leipzig’s aspirations are not without challenges. A significant concern for Rose is the midfield, where injuries have sidelined key players like Xaver Schlager and the promising Assan Ouedraogo. Schlager’s extended absence, in particular, could disrupt the team’s rhythm and force Rose to explore alternative options in midfield, potentially altering the team’s dynamics. Despite these setbacks, Leipzig’s depth and tactical flexibility provide them with an outsider’s chance to make a strong push at the summit of German football.
A New Era of Competition in the Bundesliga
The Bundesliga landscape appears more competitive than ever following Bayer Leverkusen’s stunning triumph last season, which ended Bayern Munich’s long-standing dominance. This shift has reinvigorated the league, setting the stage for an exciting title race in the 2024-25 season. With multiple teams, including Leipzig, boasting charismatic managers and rosters filled with talented players, the battle for the Bundesliga crown promises to be fierce and unpredictable.
Leipzig’s potential to challenge for the title adds an intriguing dimension to the competition. While Bayern remains a perennial powerhouse, and Leverkusen looks to defend their title, Leipzig’s blend of experience and youthful exuberance could see them upsetting the traditional hierarchy. The prospect of a more open race for the top spot is a breath of fresh air for Bundesliga fans, who are eager to witness a season of thrilling football, where the title is truly up for grabs.
