Borussia Dortmund Crisis

            Borussia Dortmund has seen three wins in three games in the Champions League group stage while losing three consecutive games in the regular season as of now. It’s this reason why Dortmund tried to use their Champions League “luck” in their season game against Hannover today. After receiving permission from league authorities, Dortmund chose to wear their Champions League jerseys in the game, but the luck did not seem to carry over across leagues. After a tie at halftime, Hannover snuck by with the win due to a free kick that gave them the 1-0 victory against hopeful Dortmund.

            Now with four losses in a row, it is only getting harder for Dortmund and fans to provide excuses or reasons for the lack of form. Many, including coach Jurgen Klopp, have stated that “We have made little from a lot, the others a lot from little,” (ESPN). While Dortmund does have plenty of opportunities and many of them turn to nothing, this does not really look at the root of the problem. Hummels states the frustration of losing despite being the better team, and he describes it as “inexplicable”. Even media in Germany and elsewhere can’t come up with a sound theory as to why the team lacks, and typical questions float around regarding the coach or the system, but still no answer. With no real lack in talent or opportunities going forward, I believe the problem must lie somewhere in the team aspect of the players. As there are no other real solutions, I wonder if there isn’t a disconnect between players or something wrong with the unification of the team. No matter how strong a team may look on paper, if they can’t be put together as a working team, the end result won’t ever be a success. While there is no evidence or rumors supporting the idea of a lack of team bonding, there just doesn’t seem to be any other explanation for a strong team to be losing games that they should easily win.

To fix this, Klopp’s strategy is to just persevere and play the way they have been while trying to improve on what they can. He feels that eventually the problem will resolve itself and the team will fall into form. With games coming up against strong opponents such as Bayern Munich, Dortmund needs to fix this problem if it wants to have any success in the future.

Balotelli Shirt Swap

              For Liverpool’s transfers this summer, many believe that they were not successful, and this is shown by their start to the season. One part of these transfers was the decision to bring in striker Mario Balotelli. Balotelli is known for his talent and ability to score and create when he puts in the effort and keeps his attitude in check, but he is equally known for his behavior issues. This trade-off is the reason that many feel that it was a bad idea to take on Balotelli regardless of the price. So far this season, behavior hasn’t been a real issue for Balotelli, but attitude and effort have overshadowed any good he has done for Liverpool to date.

            Having scored just one goal so far in a Liverpool jersey, he has not been successful by the standards of a striker. Missing wide-open nets and looking all around sluggish and uninspiring, Balotelli is making some of his critics correct. The major headline regarding Liverpool these days also includes Balotelli, yet again on the wrong side of the news. At halftime when down 3-0 to Real Madrid, Balotelli and Real Madrid’s Pepe swapped shirts, angering fans and managers. Many feel that Balotelli should have been focused on how to come back into the game ready to make a difference rather than getting a souvenir from an opponent, especially an opponent beating his team by three points. While I feel that there was nothing inherently wrong with Balotelli swapping shirts with the opposition, it was neither the time nor the place to do it. I agree that it should not have been done going into halftime and that Balotelli’s mind should have been elsewhere. If he truly wanted to swap shirts with Pepe, it should’ve been done after the game and outside of the demanding nature of the game.

             Also, I think that the entire event should not have been made a big deal by the media and especially by coaches. After the game, the Liverpool manager stated that he would deal with Balotelli and discipline him as needed, which I feel is very extreme and just adds to the pressure of the situation. Although Balotelli was in the wrong, this should not have become a big deal, and the coaches should have reinforced that idea by playing it all off and not furthering the problem by disciplining him. 

Liverpool Turn Out Lucky

            With a largely unsuccessful season so far, Liverpool were looking for a crucial victory over Queens Park Rangers this Sunday. However, by the end of the first half, it was a wonder how QPR was not up by at least 2 goals to Liverpool. The same problems remained; Liverpool’s defense isn’t adequate against set pieces and going forward the team still does not create enough opportunities. After going 1 up after an own goal in the second half by QPR, Liverpool seemed like they would scrape by with a win up to the last three minutes. At that point, Vargas scored his first English goal and equalized, instilling some fear into Liverpool fans. The lead for Liverpool was restored, but yet another goal by Vargas again put them under pressure. Finally, at the fifth minute of stoppage time, a cross by Sterling was directed into the net for another own goal, giving Liverpool a 3-2 win over QPR.

            The statement made by Liverpool player Gerrard sums up the thoughts of all; "We're still in shock to be honest. We're very lucky today,"(from Sky Sports). The performance by Liverpool was undeserving of a win, to say the least, but the three points are still welcomed and bring the team into fifth place in the league. In the end, the consistent pressure by Liverpool and the defensive breakdown by QPR won them the game, and that is the most positive thing that they can take out of the game. On the other hand, Liverpool’s defense lacked quality and was ineffective against set pieces, and this problem almost cost the team the game. Also, their attacking side only finished on one of the three goals scored, and if the team can’t defend, then the least they can do to win is outscore their opponents, but that seems very unlikely after this performance.

            Another talking point of the game is the fact that Raheem Sterling was back after not playing for his national team due to feeling tired. Sterling played a major role in Liverpool’s attack today, and he is glad to be back to playing the game, according to Sky Sports. He was glad to play again and, like the rest of the team, to get the three points. Sterling is important the attacking side of Liverpool, and hopefully is still able to handle his international duties while staying fit and rested.