Pre-season 2024/25 - Borussia Dortmund

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Despite the result I am very much enjoying seeing Emi, Onana and Maatsen in this half. All quality

Highlight was probably the new shirts.

[Matt C]

Highlight was definitely seeing Emi Buendia kicking a ball in anger again.

[usav]

So in the last 12 months Emi’s knee is better but his right hand isn’t.

Haha!

[usav]

Fucking shite tonight, no other way to describe it.

[Dogtanian]

Fucking shite tonight, no other way to describe it.

Not even Shakespeare could have done better. 

[CT Villan]

A poor showing but not completely unexpected at this stage of the season. The defence were garbage. Bailey and Rogers tried.
Best bit was my daughter getting autographs from almost the entire squad and SUE before the game.
The game against RB Leipzig can't be any worse surely?

[Ozzjim]

I thought we looked quite lively early on, certainly Rogers, Barronechea and Neddy. Feeney looked very vulnerable from the start and our lack of a striker to provide a focal point was evident. Archer is a fabulous finisher but his general game isn't massively suited to Emery.

For me, last night said spend money on a centre back and a backup striker before dropping £50m on Felix, but what do I know lol.

[Meanwood Villa]

Just seen the score. This is the point at which we say the results of pre season friendlies have no bearing on the season ahead.

[Bad English]

Just got up and noted that we had a kick around in the USA. That's nice.

[VILLA MOLE]

Glad i went to bed at halftime

[pelty]

The defense must be fixed. Obviously, Feeney was never going to feature this season, so not fussed about his performance. Kosta was not impressive to me. Poor touch and average defending. Cash? The less said the better, but woeful. Carlos? Nice guy, but not good enough. Pau has many good qualities and I know why he is rated, but I am somewhat old fashioned and like my defenders to be able to defend and have a bit of pace about them first and foremost. Paul lacks in these areas compared to Mings at his best, and I feel the team suffers for it. Do not read me as totally slating Pau, but I am not as enamored with him as most others including Emery (which means that I also recognize that I am out of step, but this board is a place for opinions, even bad ones!). Obviously, no Konsa hurt, so that makes a difference if he is next to Pau. Feel like we need to strengthen along the back four if we are going to challenge for the title and the CL, which should be our aim at this point even if we would not be favorites.

[Villatillidie25]

Agree to be honest but I think Pau’s deficiencies are why he never got picked up by an established top table team. I’m also not convinced Konsa suitably covers for those deficiencies which is why I’d have a RCB high on the list and Konsa will play more at rb.
Having said that, there is absolutely no chance we’re challenging for the title. If we replicate last season it will be a massive success, probably even a bigger one than last season.

[VillaTim]

Looks like falling asleep on the couch was an inspired decision.

[Bad English]

I sense that a lot of mattresses are going to need cleaning today.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Good post, Pelty and you're right, we really need to improve the defence from last season. Whether that means adding new faces or changing the formation and go  three at the back with wing backs I'm not sure but we let in far too many last season and need to tighten up.