Nuri Şahin ‘expects’ depleted Borussia Dortmund to ‘play better’ after Leverkusen defeat | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund suffered their first defeat of the season at the Westfalenstadion on Friday night against Bayer Leverkusen as the Bundesliga resumed following the winter break.

In the lead-up to the game, it was reported that Nuri Şahin would have to field a makeshift defence after Nico Schlotterbeck and Emre Can didn’t travel to the team hotel, while Niklas Süle and Pascal Groß – a midfielder – were also missing. Both Ramy Bensebaini and Waldemar Anton were absent through illness.

As a result, Dortmund’s back four consisted of: Yan Couto, who had played 394 minutes prior to the Leverkusen game, Julian Ryerson – a full-back playing centre-back, and Yannik Lührs and Almugera Kabar who were both making their first Bundesliga starts.

And it couldn’t have got off to a worse start. Goals from Nathan Tella and Patrik Schick put Leverkusen into a 2-0 lead after eight minutes before Jamie Gittens put Dortmund to within one four minutes later. But Schick restored his team’s lead inside 20 minutes.

PLAYER RATINGS | Borussia Dortmund 2-3 Bayer Leverkusen

Analysing Borussia Dortmund’s defensive performance, Şahin said: “It was extremely bitter how we conceded the goals. It was far too easy, even in this constellation, in which we will probably never play again. Nevertheless, that must not happen.

“I am not looking for alibis, but I firmly believe that with the experienced players or with the guys playing their usual positions, we would have defended differently.

“Nevertheless, I expect my boys to defend better. We had chances but making up three goals against Leverkusen is not easy. Even in this constellation, I expect us to play better.”

Borussia Dortmund did control the game as Leverkusen defended their lead and although Serhou Guirassy brought his side to within one with 10 minutes remaining, Die Schwarzgelben were unable to find an equaliser.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder