Borussia Dortmund, a club synonymous with intense passion, loyal fanbase, and electric atmospheres, is also recognized for its dynamic and evolving tactical approach on the pitch. Over the years, Dortmund’s playing style has undergone numerous transformations, shaped by a mix of historical events, influential coaches, and footballing philosophies. From their early days of tactical rigidity to the fluid, high-pressing game of the modern era, the journey of Dortmund’s tactical evolution is as compelling as their on-field successes.

In this article, we explore the history of Borussia Dortmund’s tactics, focusing on how their playing style has changed over time, the key figures responsible for these changes, and the club’s current tactical identity.

The Early Days: A Focus on Defense (1909-1980s)

Founded in 1909, Borussia Dortmund began its footballing journey in the lower leagues of German football. The early days were characterized by a conservative and defensive playing style, typical of the era. German football during the first half of the 20th century was largely physical, with an emphasis on structured defending and disciplined play. Borussia Dortmund, like many other clubs of the time, adhered to these principles.

Dortmund’s rise to prominence in German football began in the 1950s, particularly under coach Helmut Schneider. He emphasized a disciplined, well-organized defense, which laid the foundation for their first national success in 1956 and 1957, winning back-to-back German championships. During this period, the team’s tactics were relatively straightforward: a deep defensive line, fast counter-attacks, and relying heavily on individual talent rather than cohesive team strategies.

While effective in winning domestic titles, the tactical approach of this era was far from innovative. Dortmund’s early tactics focused on efficiency over flair, which would later change as they embraced a more attacking philosophy.

The 1990s: The Ottmar Hitzfeld Revolution

The 1990s saw Borussia Dortmund take a massive leap forward, not just in terms of success, but also in tactical sophistication. Ottmar Hitzfeld, who became head coach in 1991, ushered in a new era for the club, transforming both their playing style and their fortunes on the European stage.

Hitzfeld introduced a 3-5-2 formation, which was a radical shift from the more traditional 4-4-2 commonly used in German football at the time. His system was built on the foundation of a solid defense, but it allowed more fluidity and creativity in midfield and attack. This tactical change led to Dortmund’s dominance in the Bundesliga and culminated in their historic 1997 UEFA Champions League victory.

Hitzfeld’s tactical philosophy emphasized pressing, quick transitions, and exploiting the width of the pitch. By deploying wing-backs, Dortmund could overwhelm opponents on the flanks, while the three central defenders provided the necessary cover at the back. The central midfield trio allowed for more control of the game, with one player usually tasked with breaking up play (a defensive midfielder) and the other two providing creativity and forward thrusts.

Under Hitzfeld, Dortmund’s playing style became more sophisticated, with a greater focus on positional play and tactical intelligence. Players were expected to be versatile and capable of performing multiple roles. This period marked the beginning of Dortmund’s tactical evolution into a team capable of competing at the highest levels of European football.

The Klopp Era: Gegenpressing and the High-Intensity Revolution (2008-2015)

If there’s one period that defined Borussia Dortmund’s modern tactical identity, it’s the Jürgen Klopp era. When Klopp took over in 2008, Dortmund was struggling both financially and on the pitch. However, Klopp’s appointment marked a turning point, not only for the club’s fortunes but also for their tactical evolution.

Klopp introduced a high-intensity, pressing style of football known as “gegenpressing” (counter-pressing). Gegenpressing is the idea that a team immediately presses the opponent after losing possession, aiming to win the ball back quickly and in dangerous areas. This approach required incredible levels of fitness and tactical discipline, as the entire team had to work as a unit to press high up the pitch and prevent the opposition from building attacks.

Dortmund’s playing style under Klopp was characterized by its speed, intensity, and directness. The team played with an extremely high defensive line, with the defenders tasked with winning the ball back as quickly as possible. In attack, the focus was on quick transitions, with the midfield and forwards combining in rapid, vertical passing movements to exploit space left by the opposition.

The 4-2-3-1 formation became Klopp’s signature setup. The double pivot in midfield provided defensive stability, while the wide players and attacking midfielder had the freedom to press high and link up with the central striker. This system allowed Dortmund to overload the opposition in key areas, particularly in counter-attacking situations.

Klopp’s tactical philosophy brought Dortmund back to the top of German football. Between 2010 and 2013, Dortmund won two Bundesliga titles, reached a UEFA Champions League final, and became one of the most feared teams in Europe. Klopp’s brand of football was thrilling, but it also required intense physical and mental commitment, which eventually led to the team’s decline towards the end of his tenure as players struggled to maintain the high demands of the system.

The Tuchel Transition: Positional Play and Tactical Flexibility (2015-2017)

Following Klopp’s departure, Thomas Tuchel was appointed as head coach in 2015. Tuchel inherited a team that had been molded by Klopp’s gegenpressing philosophy, but he introduced a more refined and tactically flexible approach.

Tuchel’s Dortmund was less reliant on high-intensity pressing and more focused on positional play. He favored a more possession-based approach, with an emphasis on controlling the tempo of the game and creating overloads in key areas. Under Tuchel, Dortmund’s playing style became more patient and calculated, as the team sought to dominate possession and build attacks through intricate passing combinations.

Tuchel also introduced a greater degree of tactical flexibility. Dortmund often switched between formations, ranging from a 4-3-3 to a 3-4-3, depending on the opposition and the context of the game. This tactical versatility allowed Dortmund to be more adaptable and unpredictable, which proved particularly effective in European competitions.

Tuchel’s tenure, though short, saw Dortmund win the DFB-Pokal in 2017 and reach the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League. His emphasis on tactical intelligence and flexibility marked a significant shift from the high-intensity, direct football of the Klopp era.

The Favre Years: Pragmatism and Possession (2018-2020)

Lucien Favre’s appointment as Dortmund manager in 2018 brought a more pragmatic approach to the team’s tactics. Favre is known for his preference for a cautious, possession-based game, focusing on defensive solidity and structured attacks. Under Favre, Dortmund became more patient in their buildup play, with an emphasis on controlling possession and minimizing defensive risks.

Favre favored a 4-2-3-1 formation, similar to Klopp, but the style of play was notably different. Dortmund under Favre was less aggressive in pressing, opting instead for a more measured approach. The team focused on positional discipline, ensuring they maintained a solid defensive shape while slowly building up attacks.

Despite the less intense style, Favre’s Dortmund still possessed attacking flair, particularly with players like Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland leading the charge. Dortmund’s playing style under Favre may have been more pragmatic, but it still allowed for moments of individual brilliance.

The Present Day: Marco Rose and a Blend of Styles (2021-present)

Marco Rose took over as head coach in 2021, and with him, Dortmund has continued its tactical evolution. Rose’s tactical philosophy blends elements of Klopp’s gegenpressing with Tuchel’s positional play, creating a dynamic and adaptable team.

Rose’s Dortmund is built around a high-pressing system, but with more emphasis on possession and controlled transitions. The team plays with high intensity when out of possession, pressing the opposition high up the pitch. However, when in possession, Dortmund adopts a more patient approach, building attacks through intricate passing combinations and exploiting spaces in the opposition’s defense.

Rose has favored a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 formation, with the full-backs providing width and the central midfielders controlling the tempo of the game. His tactical approach has brought a sense of balance to Dortmund’s play, allowing them to be both aggressive and controlled, depending on the situation.

Dortmund’s tactical evolution is a reflection of the club’s growth and adaptation to the changing landscape of football. From the disciplined, defense-first approach of the early days to the high-intensity pressing under Klopp, and now a more balanced, adaptable style under Rose, Borussia Dortmund has consistently evolved tactically to remain competitive at the highest levels.

Each era has brought its own unique playing style, shaped by the vision of different coaches and the players at their disposal. Today, Dortmund continues to be a force in European football, blending the best aspects of their past with a forward-thinking approach that promises to keep them at the forefront of tactical innovation in the years to come.