By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, July 14 (Xinhua) -- Before taking off for their Asia tour in Japan and China this Thursday, Borussia Dortmund is visibly happy about the new mood at the club since the arrival of new coach Peter Bosz.
In contrast to his predecessor Thomas Tuchel, the 53-year-old Dutchman places emphasis on an intense communication with players and club leaders. Dortmund will meet Urawa Red Diamonds on July 15 in Saitama, Japan and the top Italian side AC Milan on July 18 in Guangzhou as part of the International Champions Cup.
While Bosz and his new club are avoiding setting ambitious targets for the season, most football pundits are convinced that the yellow-and-blacks will be Bayern Munich's strongest rivals. Due to the quality of their squad and in combination with their new coach, Dortmund in the eyes of their former captain Mats Hummels, who is currently at Bayern, are the most dangerous rivals for last seaosn's league champions.
Players say they are pleased with Bosz's approach in combining an exhilarating offensive style with solid defense work. Dortmund captain Marcel Schmelzer admitted that the team approves of the coach's philospphy of an offensive style but at the same time cutting down on the goals they let in. Last season's tally of 40 was far too much said Bosz. In the last weeks, Schmelzer admitted, exactly the same subject and a change in tactics was being talked about by the players themselves.
Schmelzer said the squad is happy with the coach who emphasizes collaboration rather than confrontation with his players. It is one thing to have fun up front but far too often the team's success was spoilt due to them making too many mistakes at the back continued. In contrast to Tuchel, Bosz favors a more reserved and laid back working style as he remains sitting on the bench for nearly the entire 90 minutes. The players took it as an indication of the the coache's trust in them.
Though Dortmund lost its first pre-season friendly against fourth division Rot-Weiss Essen 3-2, Bosz is optimistic things will work out well after some more weeks of preparation. He is willing to give his side additional time to catch up with his playing style.
In the training sessions, Bosz relies on a cautious working style as he does not interrupt training too much. However the squad assembles one hour before the start of training to talk about his expectations for the day. Reports said the mood in the entire club has changed and many are reminded of the successful seven-year era of Juergen Klopp, who left the club two years ago to join Liverpool in 2015 after having won two national titles, the German cup in 2012 and having reached the Champions League final in 2013 where they lost 2-1 to Bayern Munich.
Bosz said he is well aware of the ambitious goals of his new club but at the same time has told his new side that success will only return when all are working together. Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke told German media that the new coach will help them adapt the team's character and abilities. Therefore they are not expecting Bosz to win a title. The main task will be to regain the old atmosphere within the club and an entertaining style of football.
The coach's way of playing football is exactly "what we as a club and our fans want to see," Dortmund's Michael Zorc said. The club managing director is demainding a fresh open and actractive style that has a good structure when in possession and tenacity when trying to regain the ball.
Zorc is convinced that Bosz can deliver. The Dutch coach favors young talented dribblers of whom Dortmund's squad is full. Zorc admitted the club had been looking for a coach that can continue the way once started by Klopp. Like at his former club Ajax Amsterdam, Bosz can count on many young talented players with an average age of under 25.
Bosz emphasized his intention of favoring players taking risks of one-on-one situation in a 4-3-3 system. He is happy with youngsters such as Alexander Isak (17), Christian Pulisic, Dan-Axel Zagadou, Jacob Brunn Larsen (all 18), Felix Passlack, Emre Mor (both 19), Ousmane Dembele (20), Julian Weigl, Mahmoud Dahoud and Mikel Merino (21).
In contrast to Tuchel, who relied on a 3-4-3 system, Bosz is expected to use a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-1-4-1 as they provide additional options. The systems are similar to the ones used by Klopp. In Amsterdam Bosz's players were invoved in 1046 direct duels with opponents which was the top figure in the Dutch league. Dortmund under Tuchel only managed 899.
Bosz's system seems to suit Dortmund's star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang perfectly. The Gabon forward is said to have shelved plans to leave the club. However some rumors indicate plans of a move to China. Now Aubameyang will go on Borussia's Asia tour while other rumors speak about a possible transfer to a top European club. AC Milan is reported to have made a 60 million euro offer.
