U19s targeting home win over Aachen

It was clear before the Bundesliga season started that BVB’s newly formed team possessed great footballing talent. But they positively surprised the crowd at the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion in Leverkusen with their resilience and their unshakeable desire not to let the three points slip out of their grasp. “The boys fought back to the best of their ability in a game in which they were a player down and implemented what they had worked on in pre-season. I really liked that,” explained coach Mike Tullberg. Especially after Charles Herrmann’s dismissal for two bookable offences, it paid off that BVB had focused on “defending the goal together” in pre-season.

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Tullberg still recognised room for improvement: “We perhaps showed too much respect, we lacked self-confidence and self-understanding, and later on we also lacked calmness in our play on the ball.” But that is understandable at this early stage of the season, the coach noted, adding: “We know that we still have to work hard.”

A very different game awaits BVB on Saturday. “Aachen will defend compactly with a back five, the team can counter dangerously and are good from set-pieces,” said Tullberg, who warned of the promoted outfit’s quick switch play as well as their free-kicks and corners. That’s how Alemannia got the better of VfL Bochum. However, the opposition’s approach and tactical orientation will not play a big role in the team talk. Tullberg declared: “We need to show our qualities on the pitch and go into the game with 100% concentration. In recent years, the team have dropped points against supposedly easy opponents in particular. It’s a case of adding to the win against Leverkusen.”

Mike Tullberg must watch Saturday’s match from the stands due to suspension. Responsibility on the sideline will be passed to his trusty assistant coach Daniel Rios, who will be supported by Patrick Fritsch. Charles Herrmann is also suspended for the Aachen match. Tullberg has not yet decided who he will draft into the vacant wide role. (wiwi)