"Hungry and full of desire" ahead of Bundesliga restart in 2023

The gap between the Borussia Dortmund first-team's last competitive game last year and the first one in 2023 stands at 72 days, making BVB's winter break the longest of any Bundesliga club. BVB coach Edin Terzic and his coaching staff used the time to address and push ahead with many things in Dortmund, Asia and Marbella. "We looked at what wasn't right: the number of goals scored, the number of goals conceded," said Terzic. At the beginning of the season, he felt that his team had defended compactly and nipped many of the opposition's chances in the bud with quick possession turnovers. "We want to get back to that." In the attacking department, it's been a case of refreshing and rehearsing some patterns – both from goal-kicks and open play. The players also practiced set-pieces, according to the coach.  

The break in play also enabled many players to make their comeback from injury. One such example is Sebastien Haller, who has returned to team training and not only made his first appearances in Black & Yellow throughout the series of mid-season friendlies, but also scored his first goals for BVB. "Sebastien really gave a very good account of himself. You could see how much of a threat he poses. He didn't need much settling-in time and scored right away. That's what we're hoping for throughout the rest of the season," said Terzic, who went on to add: "The lay-off was very long. He last played a competitive game at the end of May for Ajax." The coach still wants to have a private conversation with Haller to decide if the player will start the game, come on as a substitute or not play at all.

Several players doubtful

Mateu Morey and Thomas Meunier will definitely miss out due to a lack of match fitness and a training camp injury respectively. Emre Can is carrying a niggle and could not fully participate in one training session. Marco Reus was ill and has not taken part in team training this week. "We also need to wait and see how Tony Modeste and Mo Dahoud are doing after their long spells out. Otherwise all the lads are fit, hungry and full of desire for the match on Sunday," said Terzic.

That includes Julian Ryerson, who arrived in Dortmund from Union Berlin this week. "We're absolutely delighted that Julian has decided to join us. We've been keeping tabs on him for a long time and I took a shine to the way he plays early on," said Terzic of his new defender. "He has played on both the right and left side of defence. He can cut inside from the left and pose a threat from a distance with his right foot; down the right wing, he frequently looks to get to the byline in order to deliver pacey crosses." Whether Ryerson makes his debut for the Black & Yellows against Augsburg remains to be seen.

Enrico Maassen set for Dortmund return with FCA

The opposition, who are coached by former Dortmund U23 coach Enrico Maassen, have also been active in the transfer market. "A lot has happened in Augsburg this week in terms of new signings. That doesn't make it any easier for us in terms of preparation," said Terzic. FCA will arrive at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK in 14th place in the table and are on an eight-match winless run in all competitions. "Nonetheless, they have been very aggressive and always close. There have been a lot of tight matches. They have produced very good performances against good footballing teams like Bayern, Leipzig and Leverkusen. That's probably how they'll want to perform here on Sunday too."

The penultimate game of Matchday 16 marks the start of this year's competitive action for BVB, who will be aiming to climb their way up from sixth position in the table. "We're delighted that it's finally starting up again. We have no desire to look at this table anymore. We have some amends we need to make," said Terzic. "We want to implement the things that we've spoken about and analysed very frequently, and to do so regularly."
Christina Reinke

BVB TV by 1&1: The press conference prior to the match against Augsburg