Borussia Dortmund is struggling with a decline similar to Hertha BSC, suffering from what is termed the Big-City Virus. After a significant defeat to Holstein Kiel, the club faces a challenging season, trailing in the league and potentially missing out on European competition. Internal discord and reliance on past successes hinder progress, while other clubs attract talent. Urgent strategic decisions are necessary as Dortmund prepares for an important match against Eintracht Frankfurt, with mounting pressure on the coaching staff.
Borussia Dortmund is currently grappling with a severe case of what is being called the Big-City Virus. This once-mighty Bundesliga club from the Ruhr area seems paralyzed, displaying troubling patterns reminiscent of Hertha BSC’s decline in modern football. Sadly, there appears to be no remedy in sight.
In a dramatic match on January 14, 2025, Holstein Kiel celebrated a historic victory, defeating Borussia Dortmund 4:2 (3:0). The atmosphere was electric, with fans cheering and photographers capturing every moment. For the Kiel players, this triumph was a monumental occasion, especially as Fiete Arp found the back of the net in an empty goal, ensuring a memorable night that will be etched in history for years to come. This win could very well be the key to their survival in the Bundesliga.
As we look ahead, the implications of Arp’s decisive goal for Borussia Dortmund remain uncertain. However, this disheartening defeat against a newly promoted team is likely to symbolize the downfall of a once-great football giant. With the worst first half of the season in a decade, BVB finds itself trailing significantly behind the crucial Champions League qualification spots. Even a place in the Europa or Conference League seems a distant dream. The stark reality is that this finalist from last year’s Champions League may soon find itself navigating the lower half of the league table.
The Impact of Historical Expectations
Borussia Dortmund, once a beacon of the Bundesliga, is now suffering from a condition akin to the Manchester United syndrome—where the weight of past successes hinders future progress. The club clings to its glorious history, believing that past triumphs will guarantee a bright future. This nostalgic paralysis prevents them from taking necessary actions, leaving them stagnant while other clubs advance.
The coaching carousel continues to spin. Under the leadership of Hans-Joachim Watzke, the club appears unified on the surface but is plagued by internal divisions. Coaches like Edin Terzić face undue pressure to deliver aesthetically pleasing football, while the club struggles to maintain cohesion. Sponsorship from arms companies contrasts sharply with the team’s faltering performance on the pitch, as highlighted by media reports.
In addition to the Manchester United syndrome, BVB has also caught the ‘Big-City Virus,’ a more dangerous affliction that previously led Hertha BSC into turmoil. Reflecting on the past, Hertha experienced a financial windfall thanks to Lars Windhorst but lost their way after parting with coach Pal Dardai. Misguided decisions and external pressures ultimately unraveled the progress made, leading to a downward spiral that left the team in the second division.
Attractiveness of Other Clubs
While the downfall of Hertha BSC may seem appealing to Dortmund fans, the club cannot afford to lose its competitive edge. Football is unforgiving; stagnation leads to a brutal decline. The current environment at Borussia Dortmund is fraught with confusion and frustration, as repeated calls for accountability yield no tangible results. Defeats accumulate, creating a cycle that weakens the squad further.
As the club struggles, it faces challenges in player development and retention. Where once they had stars like Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham, they now find themselves with lesser-known names. The allure of other clubs grows; those with better coaching, scouting, and player development systems attract talent that BVB may struggle to secure in its current state.
Urgent Decisions Ahead
These issues are compounded by the pressing need for Borussia Dortmund to address its strategy ahead of the upcoming match against Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday at 8:30 PM. The coaching staff appears to be safe, at least for now, but the pressure is mounting. Each game is critical as they fight to salvage their ambitions both in Europe and domestically. With every defeat, the path to redemption becomes increasingly challenging.
As the sports director Lars Ricken noted after the Kiel match, the time for decisive action is now. Borussia Dortmund must confront its challenges head-on if it hopes to reclaim its status in the Bundesliga.