He has “no real interest in serving to the group” (Didi Hamann), “a duel conduct like in a preparation recreation” (Stefan Effenberg), and is mostly in a sporting low of “dramatic proportions” (Ruhr Nachrichten). There have been extra fives and sixes in particular person evaluations than on any pubescent center schooler’s report card. Julian Brandt was sharply criticized final season. Not solely novice managers had lengthy suspected: He’ll actually take off once more within the new season.
Those that want to belief numbers fairly than skilled opinions will already be protesting. As a result of the final season wasn’t that unhealthy for the Dortmund participant. Ten assists within the Bundesliga have been the joint greatest worth for the Borussians in 2024/25. Not like colleague Pascal Groß, Brandt additionally scored 5 instances himself. Additionally, league-wide, the playmaker is within the prime 10 in his core competence.
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However since August 2024, a distinct normal utilized within the Ruhr space for the 48-time nationwide participant. That is when ex-coach Nuri Şahin made him vice-captain. An honor that shortly grew to become a burden as a result of the function doesn’t swimsuit him. He doesn’t fulfill the cliché of a traditional chief, “stand like a one within the wind, scratch, chew, be loud, have broad shoulders” or “additionally typically wrap one round”, as he aptly described it in a media spherical earlier than the beginning of the Membership World Cup.
📸 Pedro Salado – 2025 Getty Photos
Till the spring of 2025, nobody else at BVB did both. However Brandt actually grew to become the face of the sporting disaster. His at all times considerably grim look or the occasional drooping of the shoulders overshadowed his footballing ability. His harshest critics by no means had severe doubts concerning the latter – and that is precisely why they have been (too) arduous on him. He didn’t present what he might do.
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In the meantime, the carrot to the whip was offered by Niko Kovac. Since his inauguration in February, the Croat has recurrently praised his protégé. Positioned “our Jule” in a row with Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz. Defended him towards media criticism and made it unmistakably clear earlier than the away recreation towards Hoffenheim in April: “I do know he divides some. However he doesn’t divide me in any respect. I’m completely satisfied of him”.
Belief that clearly did Brandt good. Within the remaining 4 Bundesliga matches, the 29-year-old collected six scorers. Massive factors weren’t just for BVB within the in the end profitable remaining dash for the CL locations. But additionally for a lot of novice managers of varied soccer simulations.
To lastly break his psychological chains, Kovac plans to take one other measure earlier than the beginning of the brand new season, in response to ‘Bild’. The coach plans to alleviate Brandt of his vice-captaincy in order that the artistic participant can absolutely develop once more. The Brandt hazard ought to sooner or later once more concern the opponents’ penalty areas and never the group construction of BVB.
This text was translated into English by Synthetic Intelligence.
📸 CHARLY TRIBALLEAU – AFP or licensors