Football Season Guide

There was general agreement that Thomas Tuchel’s first season in charge of Borussia Dortmund last year was a success. After taking over from the charismatic Jürgen Klopp, Tuchel set about putting his stamp on the side and the football that was played by BVB was of the highest order at times. What was ultimately missing was a piece of silverware having gone so close in both the Europa League and German Cup. Over the summer the club was rocked by the transfers of three important members of the squad, especially the controversial transfer of captain Mats Hummels to Bayern München. The sales of Henrik Mkhitaryan and Ilkay Gundogan were also damaging to the quality of the squad overall. But Dortmund have been in this position plenty of times in recent seasons and have always bounced back. This term Tuchel is beginning to stamp his image on the team even more with the sale of a few players he found surplus to requirement including fan favourite Jakub Blaszczykowski. In the places of those who have left an exciting range of players have joined the club. Once again Borussia have set their stock in younger players, but there are also some more experienced additions. The signings of Ousame Dembele, Rafael Guerreiro, Marc Batra and Mekel Merino show the club are beginning to scout other big leagues in Europe rather than relying mainly on signings from Germany. Guerreiro will impressive for Portugal as they won the European Championship this summer while Batra arrives from the famous La Masia youth setup at Barcelona and he is seen as Hummels’ replacement. But Tuchel has also looked to add some experienced German players will Sebastian Rode signing from Bayern München. However the two most controversial signings are Mario Götze and Andre Schürrle for a combined total of €52 million. Götze famously left the club to sign for Bayern in 2013 and his return has not been greeted favourable by all. Schürrle meanwhile has never lived up to the potential he showed under Tuchel at Mainz but with the pair reunited he could have a big season ahead of him. Both of those players could prove the doubters wrong this term as they have plenty of talent between them. With the additions over the summer Dortmund have an incredibly talented squad and one which is now designed to fight on all three fronts. Dortmund will hope to get into the last 8 of the Champions League at least whilst also going on another cup run. But it is in the league where there is a real chance that Dortmund could overhaul Bayern. Tuchel went close last year and has arguably added to the squad overall this year. Bayern also have a new coach and were not that impressive in their recent Super Cup win despite the result. It will certainly be an entertaining season for the BVB faithful though with Dortmund playing an exciting brand of attacking football.