No way. They have to replace Hummels who was their defensive backbone when they already got 34 goals against them in 34 matches (Bayern had half of that). Average players like Schmelzer won't do to well without Hummels as the leader. We also don't know how Batra will do in the Bundesliga. Plus they need to integrate a lot of players. Dortmund may become dangerous for us in future, but not next year.
Also, isn't Subotic out for the season with an injury? (or at least for a while?) Their defensive depth must be really weak w/Hummels already off to Bayern. Did Dortmund not buy any defenders in the off-season?
What teams in the Bundesliga except Bayern do you consider world class breh? Other than maybe Dortmund who has been second tier Schalke? Kusen? Wolfsburg? How many forwards are there do you consider world class not naming Bayern players? I am sure there are not a whole lot of world class strikers on teams other than Bayern. They do not need world class on every position. World class would be the Lebrons of soccer.
Focus on the national championship first and then start to advance further in international tourneys.
Unfortunate that Leicester (pronounced: Lee-chester) isn't being talked about at all. They had a miracle season, won the league, then people went on about ManU, City, Chelsea. I really hope they make it to the knockout stages in the UCL to get people to care. A quarter final spot would be good.
But looking at their roster, what if they win every game 5:4? It's possible to win without a defense, breh.
They still conceded 34 goals last year, and that's with Hummels and Subotic. So they are definitely struggling on that end and it stands in the way of winning something meaningful.
I am thinking more that their offensive system dictates how many goals they score and concede. They must find better defensive midfielders to shield more in front of the defense. Or have midfielders effectively help defend. One very good Centre back is just going to be a bandaid. It is all about having a better defensive system in place. I have not watched them enough to know how fast they can switch back from O to D.
Update regarding the Santos Gabriel: Santos just accepted a 20mil offer from Juve, it's now the player's decision to join or to stay at Santos.
Stuttgart tried that under Zorninger, didn't went out quite well. Most of the teams will play extremly defensive against Dortmund anyway. Expect them to lose several games on counters. And their defense won't stand a chance against Bayern's offense.
Lahm and Martinez saying Ancelotti wants a more vertical, direct offense and a deeper defense, love it. Season hasn't even started yet and Ancelotti already dumping Pep's crap for a system that won us the triple.
Bayern Leverkeusen vs. FC Porto on FACEBOOK LIVE. Y'all know I'm just watching to see what Tecatito, Herrera, and Chicharito do. So far, I would prefer Chicharito be put back on the bench. :grin: https://www.facebook.com/bayer04fussball/videos/1196776093696996/
Dirk did the Zaza today, too funny. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bfXLZDwl59E" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
