After taking 19 out of a possible 21 points in their first seven Bundesliga matches, Borussia Dortmund’s fortunes have sunk. A season which started with unbridled optimism is now in free-fall, and the rumblings in the around the Westfalenstadion are getting louder, calling for the replacement of coach Peter Bosz, in his first year with the Black & Yellows after moving over from Ajax Amsterdam, replacing Thomas Tuchel.


The #BoszOut hashtag has been gaining traction, especially after BVB’s 3-1 defeat at home to perennial archrivals (and five-time defending Bundesliga champions) Bayern München. They’ve earned only one point in their last four domestic matches, and are struggling in the Champions League as well, going winless in four matches thus far, including two embarrassing 1-1 draws against APOEL Nicosia (Cyprus).

However, that one loss is not the only issue with the club. Bosz has been heavily criticized for being inflexible in his tactics and slow to adapt. Dortmund has been playing a very high defensive line, which has led to numerous counter opportunities for opponents. Coupled with usually-reliable Roman Bürki’s sloppy play in goal, this has been a recipe for disaster.


On the offensive side of the ball, the team hasn’t been playing cohesively, while last season’s league-leading goal scorer, Pierre-Emrick Aubameyang, has failed to cash in on one scoring chance after another.

There have been a couple of bright spots, though. Both American winger Christian Pulisic and Ukranian winger Andriy Yarmolenko have been in good form, setting up plays, even if Aubameyang hasn’t finished. Shinji Kagawa has been dependable in midfield as well.


Can Dortmund pull out of this skid? They might be helped by the upcoming international break. They’ll need to get points against Tottenham to entertain any hope of landing in the Europa League, and suddenly the next two league matches away at Stuttgart and home against local rivals Schalke have become must-win games.