FC Bayern suddenly have competition again in the Bundesliga title race. After the 2-2 draw at Hamburger SV and Dortmund’s nail-biting win against Heidenheim, the Munich side’s lead has melted away. BVB captain Nico Schlotterbeck uses the situation to make a clear statement to Säbener Straße
For the first time in this Bundesliga season, the German record champions went two games in a row without a win. The 2-1 defeat against FC Augsburg was followed by a 2-2 draw at Hamburger SV – another setback for Vincent Kompany’s team. Borussia Dortmund seized the opportunity and reduced the gap to six points with a 3-2 win against bottom club Heidenheim
Schlotterbeck declares the championship fight open
Dortmund captain Nico Schlotterbeck confidently faced the cameras after the match. In an interview with DAZN, the international set out a clear objective – and deliberately directed his words towards Munich. „As BVB, you have to start saying to the fans that we want to be champions. The boys and I want to attack,“ explained the 26-year-old
Schlotterbeck was already looking ahead to Bayern’s upcoming program: „Bayern play Hoffenheim next week. Of course we have to keep scoring points, but we’ll try to be there. And Bayern are still coming to us,“ he said with a view to the direct duel in Dortmund on 28 February, where the title fight could finally become more explosive
Despite the fortunate win against Heidenheim, Schlotterbeck remained combative: „Of course we won luckily today, but I don’t give a damn. Maybe Bayern are starting to think about it,“ he added
Kehl and Kovac put the brakes on the euphoria
While Schlotterbeck publicly posed the championship question, those responsible at BVB were much more reserved. Sporting director Sebastian Kehl was rather sceptical after the game. „I find it a bit difficult to go into it after this game today and after this performance. I don’t think it makes any sense now, we have to play better soccer,“ explained Kehl
Coach Niko Kovac also tried to dampen expectations. „I don’t know if Schlotti said that one-to-one. My focus is in the rear-view mirror. I want to see those behind us diminished first,“ said the 54-year-old. Kovac also referred to the long season: „There are still 14 matchdays left. If there’s anything left then, I’m happy to go with it.“
Bayern remain the benchmark – but the pressure is growing
This development has come at an unfavourable time for FC Bayern. After weeks of dominance, the Munich team is faltering for the first time. The league leaders have dropped points against supposed outsiders such as Augsburg and HSV. Their lead is still comfortable, but the error rate has increased recently
Remarkably, this is not Schlotterbeck’s first challenge to Munich. After Bayern’s first defeat of the season, he emphasized: „We’re happy. I just want to stay in contention for as long as possible.“ Back then, the gap was still eight points – now it is only six
Whether BVB can actually make a serious run at the title once again depends above all on their own consistency. One thing is clear, however: Dortmund believe they have a chance again. And FC Bayern are feeling real pressure from behind for the first time in weeks.