A new season under a new regime, seems to have breathed new life into Borussia Dortmund. The key to this was new head trainer, Thomas Tuchel, having his first introductory press conference just days after the emotional DFB-Pokal final loss to VfL Wolfsburg. The German’s enthusiasm and intelligence shone through and he instantly had a vast amount of Borussen on his side.

Pre-season shows signs of improvement

Pre-season has, so far, been very positive too. Winning both matches on their successful tour of Asia by an aggregate score of 12-1. After returning from Eastern Asia, Dortmund beat Swiss side Luzern 4-1, where the team seemed to gel and produced some very nice football.

This was followed by an even more impressive 2-0 win against Italian giants Juventus, again in Switzerland. The last ‘home friendly’ was a 2-0 win over Spain’s Real Betis in nearby Wuppertal.

A highlight so far has been the form of Ilkay Gündogan, Mats Hummels, Shinji Kagawa, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and, in particular, Marco Reus – who scored a stunning solo goal against the Old Lady. The squad, in general, has looked revitalised and there have been a lot of players who have looked much improved from last season already. This could explain Tuchel’s happiness with working, mainly, with what he has inherited.

Who's in and who's out?

There have been few arrivals and departures. A goalkeeper was priority and that was sorted out quickly with the capture of Roman Bürki from SC Freiburg. Personally, I still think two ‘keepers were needed but Roman Weidenfeller has been a great servant to the club and perhaps deserves another chance. The signing of Bürki meant there was no room left for Mitch Langerak and the Australian left for VfB Stuttgart.

Young defensive midfielder Julian Weigl has been signed and has looked good so far. Gonzalo Castro has also been acquired too, this time from Bayer Leverkusen. The 28-year old midfielder’s versatility and creativity will be a useful asset.

Ciro Immobile paid the price for a poor first season and a petulant attitude during pre-season and has been shifted out on loan to Spanish side Sevilla. Milos Jojic also paid the price for a poor campaign last year and was sold to 1. FC Köln.

A positive start to the season

A 2-0 win over Chemnitz in the Pokal sets up the league campaign nicely. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan with the goals. The latter has shone under Tuchel’s tutorship and the new head coach has heaped praise on the Armenian: “Mkhitaryan is an absolute role model professional. We are glad to have him in the team. It’s a joy to work with him,” the former Mainz boss enthused.

The phoenix-like rise of Aubameyang, from looking set to leave in the summer of 2014 to being the star last season, should be noted too. The Gabon international is a very important cog in this current team now. The positive mutual feeling between both club and player has been highlighted by ‘Auba’ signing a new long-term contract until 2020.

The team also looks set to compete in the Europa League after comfortably winning the qualifiers so far and now just Norway’s Odds BK stands between them and the group stage.

What has Tuchel changed?

So what has been the difference between Klopp’s side and Tuchel’s team? Well, first of all, knowing Tuchel the tactics, style and formation will change throughout his tenure. The German is known for his tactical fluidity and will not be afraid to change while Klopp always stuck to his principles, not that that’s a criticism but it meant there was never a plan B when A was not working as well.

The pressing is still there although it seems to be in zones now and the moments of high pressing is picked carefully. The midfield three tends to zonally mark the space, especially in central areas, forcing teams out wide, which is always easier to defend. The team looks much more stable and organised, while any team with players like Aubameyang, Mkhitaryan and Reus will always pose a danger offensively.

Overall, to use an analogy, no it may not be the bright raging inferno that Klopp stoked – full of passion and entertainment - but it is now a steady, consistent flame with plenty of heat still to it.

Dates for the diary

Dortmund begin their Bundesliga assault at home to Borussia rivals, Gladbach. Lucien Favre’s squad is a strong one, very well-balanced and a match for anyone. The Foals will be gunning for the Champions League again so a win over them will be a huge early season boost. The first away game is a trip down to Bavaria, no not Bayern Munich but Bundesliga new boys Ingolstadt who will be up for it in their first home game.

Speaking of Bayern, the sides will clash at the Allianz Arena on Matchday 8 with the return fixture on Matchday 25. The Ruhr derby with arch-rivals Schalke 04 will take place on Matchdays 12 and 24 respectfully.

The period between Matchday eight and 12 will prove to be a stern test, not only is there Bayern and Schalke but a return to Mainz for Tuchel, Neven Subotic and Jonas Hofmann. This run will be peppered by cup games and internationals too. 

Everything seems to be leading up to a positive season for this proud and passionate club; a defiant comeback after an emotional and disappointing year. A top three finish and a go at one for the cups will be the bar set for a successful season.

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