Borussia Dortmund vs. Werder Bremen | Bundesliga | Pre Match

Borussia Dortmund enter a new chapter of uncertainty and hope as they prepare to host Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga at Signal Iduna Park this Saturday. The departure of Nuri Sahin as manager, following a dismal run of form, has left the club searching for stability in what has been a tumultuous season. With BVB sitting in an underwhelming 10th position with 25 points, their clash against ninth-placed Werder Bremen, who are just one point ahead, takes on added significance. Both sides are eager to bounce back from recent setbacks, making this encounter crucial for their aspirations in the league.

Sahin’s tenure at Dortmund ended on a sour note, with the Turkish tactician failing to steer the team through a challenging period. His final league game, a 2-0 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt on January 17, epitomized the team’s struggles under his guidance. In his last nine matches in charge, Sahin oversaw a disappointing record of five losses, three draws, and just one victory. The defeat against Bologna in the Champions League earlier this week, where Dortmund conceded twice in a 2-1 loss, was the final straw that prompted his dismissal. Defensive lapses and an inability to capitalize on attacking opportunities were recurring themes during his tenure, leaving the team in a precarious position.

Mike Tullberg, the club’s Under-19 coach, has been thrust into the spotlight as interim manager. The 39-year-old Dane faces a daunting task, but he will hope to inject fresh energy into a team that has shown glimpses of potential but remains inconsistent. Dortmund’s last meeting with Werder Bremen on August 31, 2024, ended in a goalless draw—a result that highlighted their struggles in breaking down organized defenses. Tullberg will be keen to avoid a repeat of that performance and will look to his side’s attacking prowess, which has yielded 32 goals in the league this season, the sixth-best tally in the division. However, defensive fragility remains a concern, with Dortmund having conceded 31 goals, making them the 10th-worst defensive team in the Bundesliga.

Signal Iduna Park, often a fortress for Dortmund, has not been a happy hunting ground of late. The team has failed to secure a win in their last four home matches, drawing twice and losing twice. This poor run at home contrasts sharply with their earlier dominance, as they had won 11 consecutive games at the iconic stadium before this slump. Reclaiming their home form will be essential if they are to overcome Werder Bremen and kickstart their resurgence under Tullberg’s temporary stewardship.

Werder Bremen arrive in Dortmund with their own set of challenges. The Green-Whites were defeated 2-0 by Augsburg last weekend, a match in which they failed to create a single clear-cut chance. Despite this lackluster display, Bremen have shown flashes of quality in recent weeks, scoring 11 goals in their four matches before the Augsburg defeat. However, defensive issues have plagued Ole Werner’s side, as they have conceded nine goals in their last three outings. Their season-long record of 34 goals conceded is among the worst in the Bundesliga, yet their underlying defensive metrics, such as an expected goals against (xGA) of 25.2, suggest that their issues may be more about concentration and execution than systemic flaws.

Werder Bremen’s form on the road has been inconsistent, with two wins and three losses in their last five away matches. Despite these mixed results, their overall record in the league suggests a team capable of competing against higher-ranked opponents on their day. The challenge for Werner will be to find the right balance between attack and defense, especially against a Dortmund side eager to impress their home fans after weeks of disappointment.

In terms of team news, Dortmund’s injury situation has improved significantly, with only center-back Niklas Süle unavailable. This opens the door for a likely defensive pairing of Nico Schlotterbeck and Waldemar Anton, who will be tasked with providing stability at the back. The midfield could feature a double pivot of Felix Nmecha and Emre Can, whose mobility and defensive awareness will be vital in protecting the backline while facilitating transitions. Up front, the attacking quartet of Serhou Guirassy, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Julian Brandt, and Maximilian Beier offers a mix of pace, creativity, and clinical finishing that could trouble Bremen’s defense.

Werder Bremen, meanwhile, have a few key absentees of their own. Midfielder Felix Agu remains sidelined until February, which could see Jens Stage and Senne Lynen partner in the heart of midfield. At the back, the absence of Julian Malatini due to a muscle injury forces Werner to rely on a likely back three of Niklas Stark, Marco Friedl, and Anthony Jung. Up front, the Green-Whites will be without striker Keke Topp, who is out with an ankle injury. In his absence, Romano Schmid and Marco Grüll are expected to support Marvin Ducksch, who will lead the line. Ducksch’s ability to hold up play and bring his teammates into the attack will be crucial if Bremen are to break through Dortmund’s defense.

The tactical battle between the two sides promises to be fascinating. Tullberg’s Dortmund will likely aim to dominate possession and press high, seeking to exploit Bremen’s defensive vulnerabilities. Quick interchanges between the midfield and attack, as well as the use of wide areas, could be key to breaking down Bremen’s backline. On the other hand, Bremen may adopt a more cautious approach, focusing on compactness and hitting Dortmund on the counterattack. Werner’s side has shown a knack for exploiting transitions, and their success could hinge on their ability to absorb pressure and strike quickly when opportunities arise.

Saturday’s encounter is more than just a clash between two mid-table teams—it represents a turning point for both clubs. For Dortmund, it is an opportunity to begin a new era under interim leadership and reignite their campaign after weeks of disappointment. For Bremen, it is a chance to halt their recent slide and climb further up the table. With both teams desperate for a positive result, fans can expect a fiercely contested match at Signal Iduna Park.

In conclusion, the meeting between Borussia Dortmund and Werder Bremen carries significant implications for both sides. Dortmund’s struggles under Nuri Sahin have left them in a precarious position, but the arrival of Mike Tullberg as interim manager offers a chance for renewal. Meanwhile, Bremen’s defensive frailties and inconsistent form make this a crucial game in their quest to regain stability. As these two sides prepare to lock horns, the stage is set for an intriguing battle that could shape their fortunes for the remainder of the Bundesliga season.