Borussia Dortmund U23s Gear Up for Critical Away Trip to Unterhaching
After a brief winter break and a productive training camp in Türkiye, the Borussia Dortmund U23 team is back in action. Coach Jan Zimmermann’s squad will kick off the second half of their 3. Liga campaign with an important away game on Saturday, January 18, at SpVgg Unterhaching. The match, scheduled for 14:00 CET, promises to be crucial for the U23s, who are eager to secure their first points of 2025 against the bottom-of-the-table side.
The first game after a winter break is always a significant one, not only because of the physical preparation but also due to the psychological aspect. For Borussia Dortmund’s U23s, this clash against Unterhaching represents an opportunity to put behind their mixed form during the first half of the season and start the new year on a strong note.
The Winter Break: A Time for Reflection and Preparation
The winter break, though short, allowed Zimmermann’s squad to step back, reflect on their performances in the first half of the season, and set the tone for the upcoming challenges. The team traveled to Türkiye for a training camp that was designed to fine-tune their fitness and cohesion. The camp provided an opportunity for both individual players and the collective team to refine technical aspects, strengthen physical conditioning, and adjust tactical approaches.
In terms of fitness, the break was essential for Dortmund’s U23s, especially for players who had experienced niggling injuries in the opening half of the season. The extra time away from competitive action allowed those recovering from injuries to regain match fitness and join the rest of the squad in full training. This is critical for Zimmermann, as he looks to have as many players available as possible for the demanding second half of the season.
Tactically, the training camp was a valuable time for Zimmermann to work on team strategies and cohesion. While the 3. Liga is fiercely competitive, Borussia Dortmund’s U23s have shown moments of promise and attacking potential. However, they’ve struggled at times to maintain consistency, particularly in defense. The training camp focused on improving communication at the back, tightening up defensive shape, and working on transitions, where the team has sometimes been caught out.
Offensively, there was an emphasis on speed and precision in the final third. Zimmermann will be hoping that this sharpness will translate into more goals during the second half of the season, especially with the U23s sitting in mid-table and looking to push for higher positions.
A Challenging Season for Borussia Dortmund U23s
The first half of the 3. Liga season has been a mixed bag for Borussia Dortmund’s U23s. They showed potential in certain matches, with their attacking play offering glimpses of their ability to challenge teams in the league. However, inconsistency has plagued their campaign, particularly in defensive situations. A few high-scoring losses have left them with a record that doesn’t fully reflect the quality they’ve demonstrated at times.
Heading into the winter break, Zimmermann’s side was sitting comfortably in mid-table, but they will need to improve in 2025 to ensure that they remain competitive. The 3. Liga is a highly competitive league with several sides in the hunt for promotion, while others are in danger of relegation. Borussia Dortmund’s U23s will be looking to avoid getting caught in a relegation dogfight while also aiming to climb the table and challenge for a playoff spot, which would give them an opportunity to move up to a higher division.
For the young players in the squad, the 3. Liga is a vital proving ground. It’s a chance to gain experience and show their worth not just for Borussia Dortmund’s senior team but also to attract attention from scouts across Europe. Players such as Youssoufa Moukoko, who has been called up to the senior team, and Tom Rothe, who has impressed in recent appearances, will be crucial in helping their teammates adjust to the intensity of the league and demonstrate their potential.
The winter break offered a chance to recalibrate and set new goals. Zimmermann will be hoping that the refreshed squad can return to their best and challenge the teams above them, while also striving for a more consistent level of play.
SpVgg Unterhaching: Struggling at the Bottom
The upcoming opponents, SpVgg Unterhaching, are currently languishing at the bottom of the 3. Liga table. With just a handful of points separating them from safety, Unterhaching’s struggles have been well-documented this season. As one of the traditionally competitive sides in the league, their position at the foot of the table is a surprise. Yet, despite their struggles, Unterhaching is still a dangerous team that can pose problems, especially when playing at home.
Unterhaching has faced several challenges this season, both in terms of consistency and injuries. They’ve struggled to maintain a solid defensive structure, conceding goals at a rate that has hurt their chances of climbing the table. Despite the negative results, they have shown resilience in patches, earning draws against higher-ranked teams and occasionally pulling off surprising performances.
For Borussia Dortmund’s U23s, Unterhaching presents an interesting challenge. On one hand, they are playing against a team that has been unable to find consistent form throughout the season. On the other, Unterhaching will be eager to turn things around, especially in a home fixture that offers a chance for a fresh start in 2025. This makes the match a tricky one for Zimmermann’s side, as Unterhaching will no doubt fight hard to avoid the relegation zone and may play with the added urgency of a team fighting for survival.
The match represents an opportunity for Borussia Dortmund’s U23s to capitalize on the struggles of their opponent, but it also serves as a reminder that in the 3. Liga, no team can be taken lightly. A team with nothing to lose can often be the most dangerous to face.
Key Players for Borussia Dortmund U23s
For Borussia Dortmund’s U23s to return from Unterhaching with all three points, several key players will need to step up and deliver.
Tobias Raschl, a midfielder with strong technical ability and a keen eye for passing, will be instrumental in linking up the midfield and setting the tempo for the game. Raschl has the quality to break down Unterhaching’s defensive lines and deliver precise passes into dangerous areas. If he can dictate the pace of play, Borussia Dortmund’s U23s will have a good chance of taking control of the match.
Defensively, Luca Unbehaun, who has been solid in goal, will be a key figure in ensuring the team remains compact and disciplined at the back. A clean sheet against the bottom club will be important for boosting confidence, and Unbehaun’s leadership at the back will be vital in maintaining a solid defensive shape.
Up front, Stefan Tigges will be crucial for the team’s offensive output. Tigges has a strong presence in the box and has shown that he can be a reliable goal scorer in the league. If the team can supply him with quality crosses and passes, Tigges could be the difference-maker in this encounter. With Unterhaching’s defensive frailties, Tigges’ ability to hold up the ball and finish chances will be key to Dortmund’s success.
Finally, Tom Rothe’s performances in defense will be a focal point as well. His positioning and ability to read the game will be critical in neutralizing any attacks from Unterhaching, particularly with the home team likely to be desperate for a positive result.
Tactical Analysis: What Borussia Dortmund U23s Need to Do
Zimmermann’s tactics for this game will likely focus on maintaining a balanced approach—strong defensively, with an emphasis on quick transitions and exploiting Unterhaching’s defensive weaknesses. Given that the home side will likely set up to be more compact and hard to break down, Borussia Dortmund’s U23s will need to be patient in their build-up play and wait for the right opportunities to penetrate.
On the defensive side, staying organized will be crucial. Unterhaching’s attack, though inconsistent, has shown that it can be dangerous when allowed space. Borussia Dortmund must avoid overcommitting to the attack and leave themselves exposed at the back. Zimmermann’s side will need to be disciplined and ensure that their transitions from attack to defense are swift.
In terms of offensive play, Borussia Dortmund should look to stretch Unterhaching’s defense using the width of the pitch, drawing their defenders out of position. If the U23s can maintain possession and force the home side into defensive errors, it will increase the chances of creating goal-scoring opportunities.
The Bigger Picture: 2025 and Beyond
While the immediate focus is on the game against Unterhaching, the broader goal for Borussia Dortmund’s U23s is to use the second half of the season to build momentum and put themselves in a position to challenge for a top-half finish. A win in this game could provide the team with the confidence they need to push on through the second half of the campaign, with players developing and growing throughout the year.
Zimmermann will want to see consistent performances from his squad, a sharper focus on both ends of the pitch, and more positive results, particularly against lower-table teams. A successful second half to the season could see the U23s challenging for promotion to higher divisions in future seasons, or at the very least, continuing to develop young talent for Borussia Dortmund’s first team.
Conclusion: A Critical Fixture in the 3. Liga
The match against Unterhaching is a vital one for Borussia Dortmund’s U23s, both for their immediate results in the 3. Liga and for their broader aspirations in the league. With the winter break now behind them and the training camp in Türkiye providing a fresh boost, Zimmermann’s team will need to translate their preparation into a strong performance on the field.
While facing a team at the bottom of the table can sometimes be tricky, Borussia Dortmund’s U23s have the quality and potential to secure all three points. This game will provide a crucial test to see how the team has progressed during the break and if they can finally start the new year with a positive result.
