After the announcement by Hansi Flick, BVB central defender Niklas Süle wants to prove it to everyone. At Borussia Dortmund he is even being discussed as captain.
Traditionally, Niklas Süle doesn’t care whether it’s a pleasant 24 degrees or the sun burns mercilessly from the sky at 37 degrees. He would never do without his long-sleeved shirt during training.
He finds it more comfortable that way – and possibly more covert, given the ongoing discussions about his fitness. But last Wednesday, in Borussia Dortmund’s first friendly against Westfalia Rhynern (7-0), the central defender wore the short BVB jersey. A new accessory adorned his left upper arm.
The snow-white captain’s armband with the black and yellow coat of arms looked really good on Süle. The 27-year-old is apparently way ahead in the short queue of contenders for the Dortmund captaincy for the coming season.
Coach Edin Terzic called the successor to Marco Reus a “summer slump” and wants to take his time, but the great praise for Süle speaks volumes. Or just bind.
BVB: Niklas Süle “has big plans”
“He makes a really good impression, really steps on the gas and has big plans,” reported Terzic. “And not just since last week. The whole development has shown how important he has become for us, not only on the pitch but also in the dressing room.” Overall, “Niki” is on the right track.
Wasn’t that just different? In any case, before the international matches in June, national coach Hansi Flick had not initially nominated the fickle Süle and then counted him out publicly. Süle, according to the accusation, works too little, so part of his potential remains unused.
Since then, Süle, his team of advisors and the club have vehemently opposed this impression. Sports director Sebastian Kehl said the man who was accused of Flick worked more on vacation than any other BVB player.
BVB: Niklas Süle’s teammates amazed
In the sports picture said that fellow players were even surprised: “What did YOU do?” Running, cycling, strength exercises, allegedly on a program that was significantly different from the standard. Süle started last season with a few pounds too much.
The fact that everything is different now is also acknowledged by the national team. “It’s great that Niklas worked so hard on his fitness on vacation. His management informed me early on that he would do even more on vacation,” said DFB sporting director Rudi Völler. “We’re delighted that he’s given exactly the reaction we were hoping for. Now he has to keep at it.”
Then he will probably be nominated again for the September international matches – maybe even as BVB captain.
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