Emre Can puts himself and Borussia Dortmund in crisis again

Emre Can's rash actions have ruined a strong showing in recent games. His varied performances have been emblematic of a Dortmund side that has been reliable in its ups and downs in recent years.

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“This is again a typical situation.”

That was probably what many Dortmund fans were thinking on Saturday afternoon. Not only for the club she loves, but also for Emre Can, who was sent off in the 27th minute of the 3-1 loss to Mainz.

In the 27th minute, Emre Can was sent off.Picture: www.imago-images.de

Borussia Dortmund once again played an underground game after a tight match. After a 2-1 victory over Leipzig, which was previously undefeated in the league, and a 1-0 victory over Sturm Graz in the Champions League, reality hit. Highs are followed by lows. For Dortmund and their captain.

Dealing with hate isn't easy for him

Emre Can has had three strong games recently and the switch from midfield to center back seems to be benefiting him. With Valdemar Anton and Niklas Süle missing due to injuries, Can performed well, showing strong performance in the confrontation and making almost no mistakes. It was a backlash against previous performances that had not always been consistent, and as a result he was once again bombarded with sometimes excessive criticism and, above all, hateful comments on social media.

More clarity and leader: When at his best, Emre Can is a mainstay for Borussia Dortmund.Picture: www.imago-images.de

After last week's win over Leipzig, Can said of his outstanding performance: “Honestly, it's a comfort to the soul. I'm only human. It's not good to be criticized.” The 30-year-old midfielder emphasized that he had made mistakes made the mistake and accepted the criticism, but: “If it's below the belt, it's not good.” Coach Nouri Shaheen also defended Can: “What happened to him is not normal.” That's why he Particularly pleased with the progress of the 48-time German national team player. Suddenly, Kan was at his best, with the support of his coach and the support of many fans – lows followed by highs.

Then there was Mainz's stupid red card. At the right edge of the penalty area, he kicked Li Zaicheng with the sole of his foot. Ten of his teammates could only answer Mainz's first goal, which they lost 3-1. This time the (legitimate) criticism also came from the team. “I think he knows he has to be more careful,” Julian Brandt said. Coach Shaheen made it clear: “Emre can't go out there like that and he knows it.”

This is in line with Can's career at Dortmund since moving to the Ruhr area from Juventus Turin in January 2020. The defensive midfielder has been employed as a cleaner and leader who can also contribute to game-building. In his good phases, he is like this, for example, in the 2022/23 season when he is close to the championship, he is a mainstay in the midfield. But there are always some big misses or bad passes that result in goals being conceded, or reckless behavior like Mainz's fouls. In Kan, genius and madness—or the highs and lows—are very close.

Championship at home, relegation away from home

As such, he is also a symbol of Dortmund, whose performances have been inconsistent over the years. The change of coach from Edin Terzic to Nouri Sahin this summer has not changed that. Just as Thomas Tuchel fell out with the club's hierarchy around general manager Hans-Joachim Watzke at the end of the 2016/17 season, there have been six personnel changes on the sidelines.

At Mainz, a series of notable away weakness continues. While Dortmund have not dropped a point in seven games at their own stadium this season and lead the Bundesliga at home, they have now suffered six straight away defeats. In the league, Dortmund has only gained one point in five games and is ranked 16th in the league away from home, which is the relegation zone.

This difference can be partly explained by the Westphalian stadium fortress. But from a club's perspective, the difference in performance between Dortmund's home and away games is almost frightening. In foreign competitions, Dortmund lacked confidence, appeared restless and made constant mistakes. Julian Brandt complained on Saturday: “I don't want to go home from any failed city anymore. It makes me nervous.”

Dortmund fans often create a good atmosphere at home.Picture: www.imago-images.de

Of course, head coach Shaheen is now also being questioned. He still has the support of those in charge around Watzke, managing director Lars Riken and sporting director Sebastian Kehl. At least some arguments prove Shaheen right. Dortmund actually does not lack control of the game. In the first half in Madrid, Dortmund performed significantly better against Real Madrid and took a 2-0 lead, which also showed the team's ability.

Shaheen counted – but those responsible remain patient

However, the eight-time champions – sometimes even playing at home – are still unable to create convincing chances when in possession. Additionally, he's still too vulnerable to counterattacks. At Mainz, even before Can was sent off, Dortmund didn't have a shot on goal for 27 minutes. Shaheen, who was in his first stop as Dortmund coach, was counted because of such a dismal performance. According to “Bild”, Dortmund management said that he will stay as long as Dortmund ranks fourth in the Bundesliga and enters the top eight of the Premier League.

Nuri Sahin doesn't have to worry about his job just yet.Image: trapezoid

Before the international break ends, Shaheen must ensure his team can show off their Westfalenstadion performance away from home as well. If things follow Dortmund's usual rhythm over the past few years, the current low will likely be followed by another high. Then Dortmund must finally break this cycle. Otherwise it will be difficult not to affect the goals of this season. It seems that the next new beginning is likely to be the No. 8 coach since 2017.