How He’s Transforming Borussia Dortmund into a Football Dynasty
Building a Dynasty: Marco Rose’s Dortmund Project
Two and a half years into my tenure here at Borussia Dortmund, and I can confidently say we’re building something special. When I arrived, the club was at a crossroads. The talent was undeniable, but consistency and tactical identity were lacking. The shadow of Edin Terzic’s interim success loomed large, and the pressure to deliver instant results was immense. But I had a vision, a clear tactical blueprint, and unwavering belief in the potential of this squad. Now, in January 2026, we’re reaping the rewards of a patient, strategic approach.
The Philosophical Foundation: High-Intensity Football
My core philosophy revolves around proactive, high-intensity football. We want to dictate the tempo, dominate possession, and relentlessly pressure the opposition into mistakes. This isn’t just about running harder; it’s about intelligent pressing triggers, coordinated movements, and a collective understanding of our tactical objectives. We aim to win the ball back high up the pitch, creating quick transitions and overwhelming attacking opportunities. This requires a specific type of player – physically fit, mentally sharp, and technically gifted.
Revamping the Pressing Structure
One of the first things I addressed was our pressing structure. Under previous regimes, the pressing was often disjointed and easily bypassed. We needed to create a more cohesive and effective unit. We implemented a zonal pressing system, focusing on cutting off passing lanes and forcing the opposition into predictable areas. The key is the coordinated movement of our front three and midfield. We use specific pressing triggers, such as a backward pass or a heavy touch, to initiate the press. This requires constant communication and a deep understanding of each other’s roles. We analyze video extensively, identifying patterns in the opposition’s build-up play and tailoring our pressing strategy accordingly. This detailed preparation has been crucial in stifling our opponents and winning back possession in dangerous areas.
Unlocking Attacking Potential: Dynamic Movement and Fluidity
While a solid defense is paramount, our attacking prowess is what truly sets us apart. We aim to play with pace, creativity, and unpredictability. I encourage our players to express themselves, to take risks, and to constantly look for opportunities to exploit the opposition’s weaknesses. Our attacking play is built on dynamic movement and fluidity. We don’t want static positions; we want players constantly rotating, interchanging, and creating space for each other. This requires a high level of technical skill, spatial awareness, and tactical intelligence. We work extensively on attacking patterns in training, focusing on quick combinations, overlapping runs, and intelligent off-the-ball movement. The aim is to create multiple passing options and to constantly stretch the opposition’s defense.
Youth Development: The Cornerstone of Our Success
Borussia Dortmund has a long and proud tradition of developing young talent, and I’ve made it a priority to continue this legacy. We have a fantastic academy system, and I’m constantly monitoring the progress of our young players. I believe in giving young players opportunities to prove themselves, even in high-stakes matches. This not only benefits the individual player but also injects fresh energy and enthusiasm into the squad. Players like Youssoufa Moukoko have blossomed under my guidance. He’s now a key member of our squad, consistently scoring goals and terrorizing defenses. We’ve also integrated several other academy graduates into the first team, providing them with valuable experience and contributing to our overall squad depth. Investing in youth is not just a short-term strategy; it’s a long-term investment in the future of the club.
Squad Building: A Deliberate and Strategic Approach
Our squad building strategy is based on identifying players who fit our tactical profile and possess the right character and mentality. We don’t just look for talented individuals; we look for players who are willing to work hard, learn, and contribute to the team’s overall success. We use data analytics extensively to identify potential targets, analyzing their performance metrics, playing style, and injury history. We also conduct thorough background checks to assess their character and personality. We want players who are not only talented but also humble, disciplined, and committed to the team. Our recruitment team works tirelessly to identify and secure the best young talent from around the world, ensuring that we have a constant stream of promising players coming through the ranks. We also look for experienced players who can provide leadership and guidance to our younger players.
Tactical Flexibility: Adapting to Different Opponents
While we have a clear tactical identity, we’re also capable of adapting our approach to suit different opponents. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We analyze each opponent’s strengths and weaknesses and tailor our tactics accordingly. Sometimes, we might opt for a more cautious approach, focusing on defensive solidity and counter-attacking opportunities. Other times, we might go all-out attack, pressing high and overwhelming the opposition with our attacking firepower. The key is to be flexible and adaptable, to be able to change our tactics mid-game if necessary. This requires a high level of tactical intelligence from our players, and we spend a lot of time working on different scenarios in training. We also have a coaching staff that is constantly analyzing the game and providing me with valuable insights. This collaborative approach allows us to make informed decisions and to stay one step ahead of our opponents.
Overcoming Challenges: Injuries and Setbacks
No team is immune to challenges, and we’ve certainly had our fair share of injuries and setbacks. However, I believe that these challenges have actually made us stronger. When key players are injured, it provides opportunities for other players to step up and prove themselves. It also forces us to be more creative and to find new solutions. We have a strong squad mentality, and everyone is willing to work hard and contribute to the team’s success. We also have a fantastic medical team that works tirelessly to ensure that our players are fit and healthy. They use the latest technology and techniques to prevent injuries and to speed up the recovery process. Despite the challenges, we’ve always managed to bounce back stronger, and I’m confident that we can continue to do so in the future.
The Road Ahead: Sustaining Success
While we’ve achieved a lot in the past two and a half years, we’re not complacent. We know that we need to continue to improve and evolve if we want to sustain our success. The competition is getting tougher every year, and we need to stay one step ahead. We’re constantly analyzing our own performance, identifying areas where we can improve. We’re also monitoring the progress of our rivals, looking for ways to exploit their weaknesses. We’re committed to investing in our youth academy, to developing the next generation of stars. We’re also committed to building a strong squad, with players who are not only talented but also possess the right character and mentality. The future is bright for Borussia Dortmund, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve in the years to come. Our goal is to consistently compete for titles, to play attractive and exciting football, and to make our fans proud.
The Rose Era: More Than Just Trophies
Ultimately, my ambition for Borussia Dortmund transcends mere trophy accumulation. It’s about forging a lasting legacy, a period defined by exhilarating football, the nurturing of young talent, and a profound connection with our supporters. I want to create a team that embodies the spirit of Dortmund – resilient, passionate, and always striving for excellence. The trophies will be a byproduct of this overarching vision. We are committed to building a sustainable model for success, one that ensures Borussia Dortmund remains a dominant force in German and European football for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific changes did you make to the pressing system when you first arrived?
When I arrived, the pressing was often individualistic and lacked coordination. We transitioned to a zonal pressing system, focusing on collective movement and cutting off passing lanes. We established clear pressing triggers, such as a backward pass or a heavy touch, to initiate the press. This required extensive video analysis and training to ensure everyone understood their roles and responsibilities within the system.
How do you balance developing young players with the pressure to win immediately?
It’s a delicate balance. We integrate young players gradually, exposing them to first-team training and providing them with opportunities in less critical matches. We also pair them with experienced players who can mentor them and provide guidance. The key is to create a supportive environment where they can learn and develop without feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to perform perfectly from the start.
What are the key attributes you look for when scouting new players?
Beyond technical skill, we prioritize players with high work rates, tactical intelligence, and strong mentalities. We want players who are willing to work hard for the team, understand their roles within the system, and possess the resilience to overcome challenges. We also conduct thorough background checks to assess their character and ensure they will be a positive influence in the dressing room.
How do you adapt your tactics when facing different opponents?
We analyze each opponent’s strengths and weaknesses and tailor our tactics accordingly. This might involve adjusting our pressing intensity, changing our formation, or targeting specific players. We also have a flexible game plan that allows us to adapt our approach mid-match if necessary. The key is to be prepared for any eventuality and to have a team that is capable of executing different tactical strategies.
What is your long-term vision for Borussia Dortmund?
My long-term vision is to build a sustainable model for success, one that ensures Borussia Dortmund remains a dominant force in German and European football for years to come. This involves investing in our youth academy, developing a strong squad, and playing attractive and exciting football that our fans can be proud of. Ultimately, I want to create a lasting legacy, a period defined by excellence both on and off the pitch.
