Jude Bellingham chose Borussia Dortmund mainly because of the outstanding youth work. Salih Özcan explains his interaction with the Englishman. Ewald Lienen does not agree with Edin Terzic’s decision. News and rumors about the black and yellow are here.
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BVB, News: That’s why Jude Bellingham moved to Dortmund
Jude Bellingham chose BVB mainly because of the outstanding youth work. “Dortmund’s great record with young players was decisive,” said the Englishman in an interview with the Uefa: “It wasn’t easy for me because I knew that I was facing a really crucial step and it’s not always good when you have too much time to think.”
Before his move, the 19-year-old watched a few BVB games more closely. He had the feeling “that there were areas in which I could really improve Dortmund and others in which Dortmund could improve me.” The change decision quickly turned out to be correct. Today, the midfielder is not only absolutely indispensable for BVB, but also one of the most sought-after players in Europe.
His great rise may also be explained by his irrepressible ambition. “We had a meadow in front of our house where we always played football,” Bellingham recalled of his childhood and growing up with brother Jobe: “We were there from morning to night, especially in the summer when we didn’t have school. “
“These games almost always ended with us being best friends or worst enemies,” continued the top talent: “Every game we played was a Champions League final for us. We lined up our teams and then imagined a stadium to play in. We must have played over 1,000 Champions League finals on this little patch of grass.”
There were often tears afterwards, but the goal was always in sight: one day actually appearing in the premier class. “I did it,” Bellingham said. “And I’m sure Jobe will get his chance one day too.”
City coach Pep Guardiola praised Bellingham before the direct meeting (from 9 p.m. in the live ticker): “Everyone knows the quality and his skills, the overall package is really good and he is already a regular for England all impressive,” he said at the press conference on Monday. “Dortmund is the perfect place for young talent. Maybe Bellingham would have gone to City, Manchester United, Liverpool FC, Chelsea FC, Arsenal FC or Tottenham Hotspur in England and wouldn’t have gotten the minutes he got at BVB.”
In addition, the Englishman, who sometimes even acts as BVB captain, is a born leader. “I said it when he was 17. It’s not just about the quality, it’s also about how he shouts and leads the team or goes to the referee. This kid is special in terms of mentality.”
BVB, News: Ewald Lienen sees defensive problems
Former Bundesliga coach Ewald Lienen sees Borussia Dortmund’s problems primarily in defense. “If Dortmund have a problem, they have it on the defensive,” analyzed the 68-year-old sports1: “You can win games with a good offense, but in the long run it’s always the defense that counts.”
After all, there’s a reason “why those at the top concede the fewest goals and those at the bottom concede the most.” If it’s right at the back, a 1-0 would be enough. Only at BVB is that never the case.
Lienen still sees good chances for the second leg against Manchester City in the Champions League. Dortmund did well in the first leg. “It’s possible if you defend them properly and are brave,” he explained. At the same time, he “didn’t understand why Edin – a top coach – suddenly took out a center forward and brought in a central defender. That usually goes haywire.”
BVB could be qualified for the round of 16 of the premier class before the duel with the English champions. For this, FC Sevilla and FC Copenhagen would have to part with a draw.
BVB, News: Özcan sometimes has to “call back” Bellingham
Salih Özcan’s main task at BVB is to protect the offensive Jew Bellingham defensively. “He enjoys football so much that you have to call him back to his position,” the 24-year-old explained in the club’s members’ magazine. “But it’s great fun to play with him and watch his back,” emphasized the native of Cologne.
Despite his defensive role, he still sees room for improvement on the offensive. “I could be a bit more dangerous,” explained Özcan: “That’s certainly not the decisive factor in my position, and of course I’m just as happy about every win where I don’t score a goal. But there’s still something to do.”
In addition, he still has to work on his passing game and the weak foot could “get a little better, even if it will of course never be as good as the strong one”.
The Turkish international came from 1. FC Köln in the summer for five million euros and has established himself as a regular in the absence of the injured Mahmoud Dahoud. However, Özcan will not be on the pitch on Tuesday evening. A yellow card suspension prevents a match against Manchester City.
