Sunday marks the 100th day of Peter Bosz's tenure as Borussia Dortmund coach. The Dutchman has made a fantastic start to life in the hot seat, guiding the Black & Yellows straight to the top of the table.

image

"I'm proud to be working for such a great club," said Peter Bosz when he was unveiled as the new head coach on 6 June, one day before the squad began their pre-season preparations. The next few weeks would not be entirely trouble-free, especially the final few days of August when Ousmane Dembélé moved to Barcelona. Bosz, though, was always a picture of calm and clarity, which had a positive impact on the team and the whole atmosphere at the club. The 53-year-old tactician always knew that, ultimately, it would be "the results that count".

Ten matches have now been played in three competitions, and Bosz has become the first of 40 BVB coaches since 1963 – when the Bundesliga was founded – to oversee clean sheets in each of his first five league matches. Borussia Dortmund have been top of the table since the opening day, amassing 19 points and a goal difference of +19 – both records. "We have yet to play against the biggest teams," said Bosz in a bid to put the first phase of the season into perspective. "But we've played Hertha, and Gladbach. They're both ambitious sides."

The club also secured their passage to the Second Round of the DFB Cup, though there have been setbacks in the form of two European defeats. Both were by a 3-1 scoreline – firstly at English runners-up Tottenham and then at home to reigning champions Real Madrid – but the Black & Yellows had their moments in both games.

"Dortmund is even more special"

After three months in the job, Bosz's expectations of the Bundesliga have been confirmed. "It's one of the best leagues in the world," he said. "The stadiums are great, the fans are unbelievable and the teams are really good. It all sets the Bundesliga apart. I'm happy to have been involved these three months. And Dortmund is even more special, with its 80,000 fans at every home game."

He is always a calm and composed character on the sidelines, issuing objective and clear instructions. As for the pre-match preparations in the changing room, the roles are clearly assigned. "I make the tactical announcements, Auba does the music," Bosz grinned.
Boris Rupert