BERLIN, Nov. 1 (Xinhua) -- The crisis of 2012 German Champion Borussia Dortmund is affecting star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. In the three last games, the Gabon rooted forward left the pitch without scoring a goal.
In advance of their Champions League duel against Apoel Nicosia in Group H this Wednesday evening and the crucial Bundesliga clash against Bayern Munich this Saturday, Yellow and Blacks coach Peter Bosz demands more effort from the 29-year-old when it comes to defensive work.
After Dortmund lost the top position in the Bundesliga and is in danger to be eliminated as early as in the group stage of the Champions League, Bosz is facing a controversial discussion about his tactical approach.
The side scored 11 goals in the last five games and could only achieve one point out of the last three Bundesliga games. To just end as third of the group is going to cause grave disappointment in Dortmund as the 2013 Champions League finalist would only be qualified for the Euro League which does not address the side's ambitions.
Bosz denies that the team's relentless pressing system is responsible for the crisis. The Dutchman is insisting a lack of efficient defense work is the reason for the team's problems. "When we lose the ball, we not often enough manage to get it back right away. We leave too many spaces for our opponents," Bosz commented. Part of this system is effort delivered by strikers trying to regain the ball.
"We know about the difficulties, but it is not the system. In the case of Aubameyang things are clear: He has to help the team and himself to get over these problems," Bosz said. He is optimistic that Aubameyang and the team will manage to find the way leading back to success. "We have to start against Nicosia right away," Bosz said.
Dortmund's sports director is supporting Bosz as he demands more effort from Aubameyang. "Auba has to do more to overcome the problems. It is nothing new that he has to go through difficult times without scoring a goal for a while," Zorc emphasized. Zorc demanded a more aggressive game of the team. Aubameyang is part of the team, Zorc said.
Recently team captain Marcel Schmelzer and goalkeeper Roman Buerki demanded more effort of the forwards in the squad. "Defensive work is starting up front," Buerki stressed. Schmelzer assembled the team for a crisis meeting on the team bus after the latest defeat in the Bundesliga against Hannover 96 (2-4). "We can't go on like that. Otherwise, we are not going to win anything," Schmelzer said.
Aubameyang's performance has been far from satisfying lately. Dortmund's coaching staff and the club leaders believe "mental tiredness" (Zorc) could be the reason for Aubameyang's current lack of shape. The striker was allowed to take three days off to recover but after that performed far from expectations against Hannover.
Statistics reveal Dortmund's dependency when it comes to Aubameyang as only 18-year-old Alexander Isak is available as a back-up. Since the last Bundesliga season, Dortmund could just win four of 27 games when Aubameyang did not score. Of 38 games with at least one goal, Dortmund could win 27. In the 2017/2018 Bundesliga season, Dortmund could only win one game without Aubameyang scoring.
Bosz demanded more support of Aubameyang's teammates. He is convinced Aubameyang will soon deliver a satisfying performance. Every striker would have to face critics when not scoring. "But when I see him in our training sessions, I am sure he soon will be back at the top," Bosz commented.
The home game against Nicosia is the chance to score and gain self-confidence for Aubameyang.
Meanwhile the Gabon international heated up rumors about his future in Dortmund despite the until 2020 valid contract. Aubameyang recently mentioned a possible departure next summer.
"We will come to that topic after the season. I am open to considering all possibilities," the striker told a French radio station.
