Nuri Sahin's Tactical Studies: A Cornerstone of Borussia Dortmund's Strategy (Patreon)

Nuri Sahin, the assistant coach of Borussia Dortmund, is a fervent student of football tactics, continually seeking innovative strategies to enhance his team's performance. His dedication to tactical analysis is a key element in Dortmund's preparation for upcoming matches.

Weekly Tactical Study Sessions

Each week, Sahin engages in detailed study sessions with his colleagues, focusing on matches that hold significant tactical insights for Borussia Dortmund. These sessions are not about watching full games but rather examining carefully selected clips that highlight specific setups and strategies. Their analyst meticulously prepares these clips, ensuring that the team gets the most relevant and instructive content.

A recent example of such a study session was the analysis of the Lisbon derby between Benfica and Sporting CP. The choice of this match was not due to its high-profile nature but because of its tactical significance. Benfica's 4-4-2 formation against Sporting's 3-2-4-1 provided valuable insights that could be adapted to Dortmund's strategies.

Learning from Diverse Matches

Sahin emphasizes the importance of studying a variety of matches, not just high-profile fixtures like Manchester United against Liverpool. The goal is to find games that offer relevant tactical lessons applicable to Dortmund's upcoming opponents. For instance, if Dortmund is set to play a team using a 3-5-2 formation while they themselves play a 4-3-3, Sahin and his team will look for matches featuring similar setups. This targeted approach helps them extract practical lessons and strategies that can be directly applied to their own gameplay.

Staying Ahead with Tactical Innovation

This methodical approach to studying football is crucial for staying ahead in the highly competitive environment of European football. Sahin believes in the continuous evolution of tactics and the necessity of staying updated with the latest innovations in the game. By dissecting and learning from diverse tactical scenarios, Dortmund can adapt and refine their strategies, ensuring they remain competitive against a variety of playing styles.

Sahin's commitment to tactical study not only reflects his passion for the game but also demonstrates the meticulous preparation that goes into each match. His efforts help Borussia Dortmund maintain a tactical edge, equipping the team with the knowledge and strategies needed to outperform their opponents.

Reference: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11096/13106013/nuri-sahin-interview-borussia-dortmund-assistant-on-jurgen-klopp-jose-mourinho-and-his-own-coaching-dream