Unleashing the Black and Yellow: Can Borussia Dortmund Reignite their Bundesliga Title Chase?

The memories of Borussia Dortmund's disappointment in failing to win the Bundesliga title on the last day of the previous season will remain vivid. Their hope of becoming champions for the first time in 11 years hinged on a victory at home against Mainz, but everything went disastrously wrong.

Conceding an early goal and failing to convert a penalty added to their woes. By halftime, they were already two goals down, and even the slight possibility of Bayern Munich being held back in their match against Cologne proved futile as Bayern emerged as winners. Dortmund, on the other hand, could not secure the necessary goals in either of their games. It was a collective torment, as just a single goal in either match would have sufficed. A perfect storm of anguish.

As players and staff gathered in reverence before the renowned Yellow Wall of supporters, head coach Edin Terzic displayed evident anguish. He emphasized that his team had come within 90 minutes of realizing their dream, but now they face the daunting task of conquering 34 matches to once again reach glory.

Image:

Dortmund coach Edin Terzic walks across the pitch after the match against Mainz

After Bayern Munich's decade of dominance in the Bundesliga, it may have been understandable to expect that something could go wrong. However, there was an overwhelming sense of optimism. Outside, flags, scarves, and shirts celebrating the title win were available for purchase.

With ten consecutive home wins in the competition, averaging over four goals per game, Dortmund had earned the belief in their success. Nevertheless, in retrospect, it is surprising how freely sporting director Sebastian Kehl expressed himself.

During a media briefing before the crucial match against Mainz, this reporter was present as Kehl extensively talked about the preparations for the parade on Sunday. He discussed the logistics involved in ensuring that the players' families had proper ticket arrangements. He expressed his enthusiasm, stating that Dortmund was the perfect place to celebrate. Kehl was delighted that the club could have filled their stadium six times over. He acknowledged the need for extensive organization on Sunday due to the expected events afterward, emphasizing the enormity of the task at hand.

He even emphasized the significant impact a championship victory would have on their ability to attract new talent. "Demonstrating our proficiency, our strength, and our potential to claim titles is of utmost importance to me as it provides compelling grounds to persuade players, their families, and their agents to join Dortmund."

Image:

Players commiserate with the Dortmund supporters after failing to win the title

Dortmund faces the challenge of bouncing back from that setback this season. Their first task is to confront and accept what happened that afternoon. Former goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller, a two-time title winner with the club, watched the events unfold helplessly.

The sight was truly distressing. At that moment, the team lacked the proper mindset and were overwhelmed with nerves. Their performance on the pitch was lacking, and no one was able to deliver. When presented with the opportunity to secure the title in their final home game, winning was imperative.

Reflecting on how he would handle defeat, Weidenfeller shares his approach of shifting his focus. "After going home, I try to move forward and resume a normal life. Engaging in simple activities like gardening and cutting the grass helps take my mind off things." However, there is one significant factor to consider: "The extent of the setback always plays a crucial role."

Image:

Mats Hummels is seen sitting on the Dortmund pitch after the match against Mainz concludes.

Weidenfeller refuses to fall into the trap of claiming that things were better during his time. He is willing to admit that, in certain aspects, last season's team was better than the Dortmund side that managed to defeat Bayern twice to clinch the title under Jurgen Klopp.

He considers the leaders within that group.

Sebastian Kehl, Mats Hummels, Neven Subotic, Sven Bender, Robert Lewandowski, and myself. We always communicated in a straightforward manner, face-to-face. It held great significance for us as we constantly motivated and challenged one another. Perhaps that was what was missing during the game against Mainz? They require a stronger mental attitude and a more resilient personality.

Image:

Sebastien Haller strides confidently towards the penalty spot, clutching the ball in his grasp, facing off against Mainz.

The situation seems unjust. Hummels stood alongside, ready to lend his support, while Jude Bellingham, a born leader, was not at his physical peak. However, Haller boldly embraces the responsibility, seizing the ball to take the penalty. The boisterous Dortmund crowd provides fervent encouragement, yet their fervor adds an extra layer of pressure, considering the immense significance this moment holds for them.

Weidenfeller acknowledges that young players may feel inclined to become reckless when faced with fervent fans. The crucial task, however, is to disregard such distractions and not give in to the constant clamor. Rather, the players should strive to develop a more astute approach in order to effectively collaborate with and navigate the fanbase without becoming overwhelmed. One undeniable reality remains: the pressure is here to stay.

"This is the contract you sign when you join a prominent club," he emphasizes. "It's a completely different experience compared to playing for Hoffenheim."

Initial indications point towards Dortmund successfully gathering their forces once again. Felix Nmecha has been acquired from Wolfsburg, while Marcel Sabitzer has made his way from Bayern Munich, following his loan stint at Manchester United. Both players aim to compensate for the absence of the team's standout player, Bellingham.

Nmecha scored twice in the pre-season wins against United and Ajax, which is a positive sign. If he adapts quickly, it will be beneficial. Weidenfeller states, "The preparation has been solid. Borussia Dortmund is prepared for the upcoming season."

The start of their new Bundesliga campaign will be at home against FC Koln, in front of the loyal Dortmund fans at Signal Iduna Park. This match will be a psychological test. However, the real challenges will arise later in the season as Terzic attempts to guide the team towards another title race.

Live Bundesliga

Saturday 19th August 5:20pm

The task is to reverse the situation. Although it may be tempting to argue that they will never have another opportunity as favorable to claim the championship, the truth is that Bayern did not defeat them, Dortmund defeated themselves. In a peculiar manner, this realization brings some solace.

This achievement can be accomplished if they rectify their mistakes in the next attempt. It is a matter of fully embracing this concept. "You have to vocalize it. You always have to express what you aspire to achieve," concludes Weidenfeller regarding Dortmund's aspirations for the title.

"Now you need to take the next step."

Watch Dortmund vs Koln live on We Football this Saturday; kick-off 5.30pm