Emre Can has criticised Borussia Dortmund’s desolate performance against Stuttgart following their DFB Pokal last 16 exit. Goals from Serhou Guirassy and Silas secured a 2-0 win for VfB but in truth, it could have been a lot more.
“We were lacking at the front and back,” said Can. “We weren’t strong enough in the duels. It was a footballing disaster, you have to be honest. Against the ball, the way we run – it wasn’t good at all. It can’t go on like this. We are Borussia Dortmund, there has to be more. We need to sit down and analyse it. So it’s just not good enough of us as a team.”
Stuttgart dominated possession and had 17 shots on Dortmund’s goal, while Edin Terzić’s side again failed to get a foothold in the game and showcased a lack of footballing identity.
Speaking on the lack of creativity, Can added: “It’s about finding solutions in this area. If I compare it with Stuttgart, they start up and are always there. There’s something wrong,” while calling for more intensity: “We have to run harder, want more, and have more intensity in our game. It’s not always the coach. This has to come from the team, from each individual.”
Going behind to Guirassy’s opening goal, Dortmund thought they had equalised through Jamie Bynoe-Gittens but the Englishman was offside in the build-up. Silas then put the game beyond doubt as BVB exit the Pokal one round earlier than they did last season.
Up next is a difficult game against RB Leipzig with Dortmund already 10 points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen before they host PSG in the Champions League.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder
