Borussia Dortmund: Not a one-man team

Dortmund fans haven’t taken too kindly to Gotze’s impending departure to rivals Bayern Munich. (Getty Images)

There are stories in sports that capture your heart. One of the most amazing stories of the last 5 years for me has been the rise of Borussia Dortmund. They have metaphorically risen from the ashes and built a very strong footballing legacy. A crucial part of this legacy is young German boy wonder, Mario Gotze.

Borussia’s ‘Super Mario’ epitomizes the club. Talented, modest and hardworking are adjectives that fit both the club and the player. A product of their youth academy, Gotze was the fan favourite, until it was revealed that he is to join Bayern Munich in the summer. While ‘cheater’ and ‘turncoat’ were some of the politer terms used to describe the Dortmund no. 10, his move is justified in today’s footballing world devoid of loyalty.

The hamstring injury though which he sustained against Real Madrid has ruled him out of the final of the Champions League. And even the most ardent Borussia loyalists would have wanted him to play. When fit and firing, he is exceptional. He has the ‘X’ factor that very players have and the ability to shift the match with one moment of unparalleled brilliance. But to say that Dortmund cannot win without Gotze is laughable to say the least.

Gotze had been injured for most of the second half of last season when Dortmund comprehensively beat Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga title. Gotze was absent too for the 5-2 drubbing that Dortmund handed out to Bayern in the DFB Pokal final. Yes, Gotze is a crucial part of the attack, but Jurgen Klopp hasn’t built his attack around any one individual. For Klopp, the structure of the team and its balance is crucial. His players are versatile and can perform various roles with consummate ease. He can push Kevin Grosekreutz to the left, pushing Marco Reus to the hole. He may also push Ilkay Gundogan further up or ask Nuri Sahin to fill in the hole behind Robert Lewandowski. The point being, that Gotze’s absence is not as serious as it looks at first glance.

Klopp’s men have relished being the underdogs all through their dream run. They were the ‘underdogs, when they won the Bundesliga two seasons ago. They were the ‘underdogs’ when they did the Double last season. They were the ‘underdogs’ when they were drawn in the Group of Death. They were the ‘underdogs’ when they were drawn against Real Madrid in the semi-finals. At every stage Borussia Dortmund overcame the tag of the ‘underdog’. At every stage they belied expectations and broke new ground. With Gotze having played his last game for the club gone, I have a strong feeling that the team will be even more galvanized after this. And could drive them to cause another upset and defeat Bayern Munich – without Gotze to boot.