Dortmund failed to qualify from the Champions League group. What is behind its decline?

In Wednesday’s Champions League match, Dortmund lost to Sporting and will not qualify for the knockout stage of the competition, and will only play in the Europa League in the spring. What is to blame for Borussia’s decline?

The departure of Jadon Sancho

One of Dortmund’s biggest mainstays in recent seasons has moved to Manchester United this summer. Although Borussia received a large financial compensation for him, they did not bring in a proper replacement on the wing.

Dortmund only managed two transfers in the summer transfer window. Stuttgart’s goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, who immediately became number one, arrived, as well as the talented Donyell Malen from PSV. But he hasn’t adapted 100% yet.

Too much dependence on Haaland

Erling Haaland does make a show of his goals every time he is on the pitch, but Borussia are too dependent on him.

The Norwegian goalscorer was the second top scorer in the Bundesliga last season with 27 goals, while none of his teammates had even double digits in the goals column.

When Haaland got injured, Dortmund’s dependence on him was on full display. In the Champions League without him, the Westphalian team managed to win only one out of four matches.

Moreover, it is very likely that Haaland will leave Borussia in the summer and head to a bigger club. His relatively low exit clause should help.

Numerous absences

Borussia currently have up to 10 injured players. The holes in the squad have to be filled by substitutes who do not reach the quality of the players in the starting line-up.

In Wednesday’s match against Sporting, for example, the inexperienced Reinier and Pongracic were not included.

Source: Borussia Dortmund, Transfermarkt