Berlin, July 25 (IANS): Borussia Dortmund's new Dutch coach Peter Bosz is in danger of running out of time implementing the German football club's new tactical system. On August 5, they face the important German Super Cup final against national rivals Bayern Munich. A loss would lead to added troubles as the team is still struggling with tactical change from the 3-5-2 system used by former coach Thomas Tuchel 3-5-2 to Bosz's new 4-3-3 system.
Ahead of their pre-season training camp in Bad Ragaz, Switzerland, Bosz is far from satisfied with the teams' progress and the team's quality gap. The friendlies have shown how much the eight-time Bundesliga winners depend on the quality of their stars such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ousmane Dembele. Additionally, many of the reserves are unable to perform at the same level as first team regulars that are struggling with injuries, reports Xinhua news agency.
Currently in an important pre-season phase, Bosz can't test his first-choice team as midfielders such as Julian Weigl and Raphael Guerreiro, striker Marco Reus and defender Marcel Schmelzer are sidelined. Team managing director Michael Zorc complained that several of the team's reserve did not use the opportunity to show their quality.
Young talents such as Emre Mor, Felix Passlack, Erik Durm, Dan-Axel Zagadou and 17-year-old Alexander Isak were disappointing as were experienced players like Andre Schuerrle, Oemer Toprak and Shinji Kagawa. The team needs to play with greater aggression, said Zorc.
Returning midfielder Mario Goetze still needs some time to make his way back into the starting eleven and play the full 90 minutes.
Borussia Dortmund officials have made it clear that the club intends to cut down the squad and that up to four or five players will have to leave before the Bundesliga 2017/2018 curtain raiser against VfL Wolfsburg takes place on August 19.
Meanwhile, Bosz hopes Goetze will soon be ready as he is a vital part in his plans to reach next season's goals such as Champions League qualification. Bosz said they will be doing everything to prepare Goetze as well as possible.
After a seven-month break caused by an illness, Goetze returned to action but still can only play for a limited period. His mood though seems to be improving. Teammate Schmelzer says Goetze turns up for the daily training sessions with a big smile on his face.
In the time before Goetze is back to his best, Bosz is counting on midfielder Nuri Sahin who was largely ignored by Tuchel. He even considered leaving the club.
Bosz and his side will have to concentrate on the new system and not to lose too much ground on rivals Bayern Munich and last season's newcomer RB Leipzig.
The team still needs time to adopt the new coach's tactical approach, goalkeeper Roman Buerki admitted. Things are not working well with the new system, added team captain Schmelzer.
While former coach Tuchel wanted his side to take time to develop its attacking game, Bosz wants them to dominate the game from the kick-off and to regain any lost balls immediately.
After the team felt comfortable with Tuchel's style but not with his way of working, it currently has the feel of having to relearn football.
His skills on the ball and ability to read the game mean it is hoped that Goetze will be the inspiring link between midfield and the forwards. Alongside Aubameyang and Dembele, the scorer of the winning goal in the 2014 World Cup final is one of Bosz's cornerstones if they are to enjoy future success.
Dortmund's coach meanwhile hopes he no longer has to deal with rumours surrounding the future of Aubameyang. Berlin-based tabloid Bild recently reported that the Gabon striker will leave for the Chinese Super League in as early as in the next winter break. For weeks now Aubameyang's future has been in the headlines as a variety of Asian and European clubs seemed to be interested in signing him.