The past days have been far from pleasant for Borussia Dortmund and its coach Nuri Sahin.

Ahead of Friday's Bundesliga match against local rival Bochum, tensions rose following its devastating 5-1 defeat in Stuttgart.

Serhou Guirassy (R) of Borussia Dortmund vies with Lennard Maloney of 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Borussia Dortmund and 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 in Dortmund, Germany, Sep. 13, 2024. (Photo by Yue Aximu·biwalezi/Xinhua)

With the second game in the UEFA Champions League against Celtic next Tuesday, the league issue has turned into a do-or-die issue.

Inconsistency seems to be back despite Dortmund's re-launch last summer.

The heavy defeat in Stuttgart triggered a flood of criticism, along with doubts about the team's mental state and the coach's tactics and lineup.

Not even Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola could have turned things to the better, midfielder Julian Brandt assumed. The German international blamed the team's "mental state" and spoke of an attitude far from competitive.

Dortmund's record against national top-tier teams remains poor, impeding the desired progress as the side claims to want to return to glory on the national and international stages this season.

Sahin's search for a convincing lineup seems to continue for key players such as defender Nico Schlotterbeck, captain Emre Can, midfielders Brandt and Pascal Gross, and Austrian international Marcel Sabitzer.

A convincing victory against Bochum might ease tensions, but it seems to require a lineup change including a more risky and open approach.

Maximilian Beier might be Sahin's first choice, with the 21-year-old adding more intensity and creativity to the BVB's game. Despite remaining in a stage of experiments, the coach said he is confident that the team is going to improve significantly.

Statistics speak for a turnaround in the Bochum game as the BVB hasn't lost one of the recent 37 games played on Friday evening. The side has finished Friday games without scoring only twice, with its last defeat dating back to 2004.

While Sabitzer, Can and Brandt expressed disappointment regarding their 2024/25 season role, it seems on the Dortmund coach to set clear borders and keep everyone's feet behind the line for the entire team's benefit.

Early in his BVB era as the head coach, the former midfielder might have to dig in his heels. 

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