“We lacked a little conviction” – Sebastian Kehl analyses Borussia Dortmund defeat

“Maybe we lacked a little conviction,” Sebastian Kehl somewhat surprised many with his statement after Borussia Dortmund’s first Bundesliga defeat at home this season. Conceding three goals to Bayer Leverkusen in the opening 20 minutes wasn’t in their gameplan, but BVB’s sporting director believed his squad “were extremely unlucky.”

“We got off to a very bad start,” said Kehl. “Leverkusen scored very effectively but we didn’t defend well either. We made it a little too easy for Leverkusen.

“And yet you always had the feeling that there was more in it today, because I don’t think Leverkusen were particularly good. We still had hope that we would equalise.”

Kehl’s statement is something echoed by Get German Football News. While Leverkusen’s defensive stability has certainly improved as the season has worn on, an element of uncertainty has lingered, and this was evident against BVB, especially in the dying embers of the game.

Serhou Guirassy’s 79th minute penalty put Dortmund to within one goal of Leverkusen but despite dominating possession throughout the game, they failed to seriously test Lukas Hradecky, who looked uncomposed in the closing stages.