(K)Eine Frage der Grundordnung

Borussia Dortmund's first games under Nuri Sahin show what the game structure could look like in the future. The coach wants to remain variable, in terms of system and line-up.

In the cup match against Phönix Lübeck (4:1) and the final preparation game against Aston Villa (2:0), was the formation nominally a three-man or four-man defense? Did Borussia Dortmund employ a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3 formation in their penultimate test against FC Villarreal (2:2)? The clarity of these formations was not evident, particularly as coach Nuri Sahin fielded three nominal center-backs in both matches against Lübeck and Villa.

When in possession, Waldemar Anton positioned himself on the right, with Niklas Süle in the center and Nico Schlotterbeck on the left, forming a distinct three-man line. Pascal Groß and Emre Can complemented this setup, creating a 3+2 build-up. Schlotterbeck did not play as a traditional full-back; instead, Jamie Gittens took on the role of wing-back on his side, while Julian Ryerson advanced significantly on the right, even when defending.

Regardless of the foundational structure, the decision made by Sahin regarding his three prominent defenders was particularly significant. "Not because I fear placing one on the bench," the coach emphasizes, but rather because he wishes to observe how the three adapt to his new strategies, both collectively and individually, especially the latecomers from the European Championship, Anton and Schlotterbeck: "We opted for this approach due to the limited training time we had, particularly with Schlotti and Waldi."

Ramy Bensebaini, who can play as a left-back as well as a left center-back, performed admirably during the initial phase of preparation, and now Schlotterbeck has the opportunity to test himself in this role.

The performance was notably impressive, especially when considering the occasionally faltering build-up play of Dortmund during the previous first half of the season. The three ball-secure defenders had a clear primary passing option in Groß, who rotated flexibly into open spaces. He distributed the ball effectively due to his excellent pre-orientation and resistance to pressing, drawing opponents towards him and creating space for Julian Brandt and the attacking wingers, while Can struggled somewhat under pressure, resulting in several turnovers. Schlotterbeck and Anton also had the opportunity to deliver precise long passes from their half-positions, adding another dimension to the build-up play. Both defenders possess strengths in delivering long aerial balls, although no goals were set up in that manner against Lübeck.

For Sahin, the processes and principles are more significant than the exact formation.

Sahin prioritizes the processes and principles over the specifics of the formation. The way the center-backs, Groß, Brandt, and the forwards interacted to create space, find teammates, and establish depth on the field bodes well for the more challenging tasks ahead in the Bundesliga starting Saturday and soon in the Champions League.

Sahin has yet to disclose which lineup he intends to use, as it will depend on the opponent, the current condition of his players, and the qualities of their adversaries. "Many factors come into play, such as whether the opponent has a fast player, a playmaker, or a pure winger," the coach explains. "We aim to remain flexible," including in our formations.