4) Borussia Dortmund
In truth, Borussia Dortmund never stood a chance of winning the Bundesliga title this season. Last summer’s transfer window saw a number of new signings and it was evident that they would take at least a season to adapt to their new team before Thomas Tuchel could mount a serious title challenge.
Moreover, Bayern Munich were the clear favourites even with a new coach at the helm. What Die Borussen did not count on was RB Leipzig scripting their own success story to leave Dortmund competing with another surprise package in Hoffenheim for third place.
But Tuchel and the club had recruited well in what can be considered a rebuilding season. In spite of losing three major stars in Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Mats Hummels and Ilkay Gundogan, Mario Gotze returned to the club while Andre Schurrle, Ousmane Dembele, Raphael Guerreiro, Marc Bartra, Sebastian Rode and Emre Mor were signed.
With Marco Reus still unable to exorcise his injury demons to play a full season, teenagers such as Dembele and Christian Pulisic have stepped up and provided goals and assists when playing alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. If they can retain the squad, they can push for the title next season with Bayern Munich’s key players either retiring or ageing.
