5 teams who have disappointed in Europe so far

#3 Borussia Dortmund

Dortmund started well but have petered out in the last two months

Over the best part of a decade, football fans have gradually become accustomed to Borussia Dortmund at least threatening Bayern Munich’s dominance in Germany. Of course, since Jurgen Klopp departed, things have become more complicated at Signal Iduna Park, culminating in the exit of Thomas Tuchel last summer after a disappointing campaign.

BVB finished a distant third last time around and expected to be more competitive when they appointed Peter Bosz, the man who led Ajax to the Europa League final last term, to the helm.

Things, however, have only gotten increasingly worse. Nearly a third of the way through the campaign, Dortmund find themselves fifth in the national pecking order and are already nine points back of Bayern Munich, who themselves have sacked one coach after an unacceptable start to the season by their standards.

Worse, Dortmund are already out of the Champions League and face a battle even to be in the Europa League after Christmas. It is unbecoming of a club that has grown to expect more.

After the 2-1 midweek loss against Tottenham, in which they led 1-0, the coach said: “You could see after the 1-1 that we are lacking confidence.

“In the first half we played well. We were well-organised and created chances. After the equaliser, we couldn't carry on, though.”

Meanwhile, team captain Marcel Schmelzer agreed: “I wouldn't say that we are lacking leaders on the field or do not have the necessary stamina. Right now, it is all down to confidence for us.”

Unless BVB find some self-belief soon, their season will be all but over.