It is rather rare for Bundesliga coaches to provide insight into their decision-making. So it was all the more remarkable that BVB coach Marco Rose did just that on Friday when it came to the cup exit at FC St. Pauli.
Even though the anger of BVB fans after the cup exit at second division leaders FC St. Pauli was primarily directed at the players, coach Marco Rose did not escape unscathed either. Supporters and the media alike wondered whether the 45-year-old, who only made three changes in the game and only reacted tactically late on, should have taken greater – and above all earlier – rebuilding measures to avert the impending defeat.
On Friday, Rose then gave a rare insight into the tactical and personnel decision-making during the game, recounting the discussions that took place within the coaching team on the bench. “The question of the system or who you take out – those are things we also discuss and then decide in all conscience,” Rose said, citing as an example a possible inclusion of Marius Wolf – who instead sat out for the entire match – or a switch to a two-man system. “There are always trade-offs. And in Hamburg we decided to change late. “
Rose: “When you lose, the arguments don’t necessarily lie with the coach “
Among other reasons, this decision was made because the offensive players on the bench – Youssoufa Moukoko, Steffen Tigges or the unnamed Reinier – had no rhythm. In order to change that, at least in part, Tigges will striker for Dortmund’s U 23 against Freiburg II on Friday. Youngster Moukoko also recently gained match practice with the second team in a test against Alemannia Aachen.
“Next time we might decide earlier,” Rose admitted in conclusion, summing up: “When you lose, the arguments don’t necessarily lie with the coach. “
