When Edin Terzić stepped into the role of Borussia Dortmund head coach for the second time in 2022, the expectations from fans and pundits alike were sky-high. Having previously guided the team to a DFB-Pokal triumph in 2021, Terzić was well-regarded as a club man, an individual who understood the fabric of Dortmund, its passionate fanbase, and the expectations of playing an aggressive, attacking style of football. However, as he took over the reins from Marco Rose, the big question on everyone’s mind was: how would Terzić stamp his tactical identity on the team?

Now, more than a year into his second spell, it’s clear that Terzić has brought a blend of pragmatism, fluidity, and high-intensity football that is beginning to define Borussia Dortmund’s playing style. In this tactical analysis, we’ll explore the strategies Terzić has implemented, how they have evolved over time, and how they are shaping the team’s performances on the pitch.

1. Defensive Solidity as the Foundation

One of the first areas Terzić focused on upon his return was the defensive side of Dortmund’s game. In previous seasons, BVB had developed a reputation for being an exciting, attacking team but often lacked the discipline and structure required at the back, which made them vulnerable against stronger opponents.

Under Terzić, Dortmund’s defensive setup has shown marked improvement. A key element of his philosophy is compactness between the lines. The midfield and defense work closely together, reducing the space for opponents to exploit. While Dortmund doesn’t always sit deep, they have learned to be more cautious in their transitions, ensuring they aren’t caught out of shape when they lose the ball.

The defensive duo of Nico Schlotterbeck and Mats Hummels has been crucial to this approach. Schlotterbeck’s aggressive pressing and anticipation complement Hummels’ experience and positional awareness. Terzić has also put a lot of trust in his full-backs, often pushing them higher up the field to engage in pressing while relying on a strong center-back pairing to maintain structure.

Key Tactical Takeaway: Compactness and High-Line Defense

Terzić’s Dortmund employs a high defensive line, especially when pressing higher up the pitch, but this is balanced with a high degree of organization and communication among the backline. Full-backs like Raphaël Guerreiro and Thomas Meunier are tasked with quick recoveries, and the center-backs must be astute in reading the game.

2. Midfield Versatility: A Dynamic Core

In midfield, Terzić has implemented a system of versatility and dynamism. Players such as Jude Bellingham (before his departure), Salih Özcan, and Emre Can have been instrumental in controlling the tempo of the game. The emphasis in Terzić’s midfield isn’t just on retaining possession but on maintaining fluidity, ensuring that the transition between defense and attack is seamless.

During possession, Dortmund’s midfield often operates in a 3-2-5 shape. One of the midfielders drops deep between the center-backs, effectively allowing the full-backs to push higher up the field, creating width. This tactical shift opens up more channels for progressive passing and maintains numerical superiority in the central areas of the pitch.

Key Tactical Takeaway: Press-Resistant Midfielders

A significant part of Dortmund’s success in the middle comes from their ability to navigate through pressure. Players like Bellingham and Özcan have shown the capacity to resist opposition pressing, break lines, and carry the ball forward. This capability not only alleviates pressure on the defense but also sets up quick, incisive counterattacks.

3. Attacking Fluidity: High-Octane Offense

Historically, Dortmund has always been a team associated with attacking football, and under Terzić, that philosophy has been maintained, albeit with more structure. Unlike in previous regimes where Dortmund’s attack might have looked chaotic at times, Terzić has brought a level of clarity and purpose to the team’s offensive transitions.

The tactical system employed often features a front three, with Karim Adeyemi, Donyell Malen, and Sebastien Haller forming a potent trio. Terzić emphasizes positional rotation, especially between the wingers and the striker. Adeyemi and Malen are often seen swapping flanks or dropping deep to draw defenders out of position, creating space for Haller or an onrushing midfielder.

Another critical element is Dortmund’s use of verticality. Terzić has instilled a philosophy of quick, vertical passing when transitioning from defense to attack. Dortmund looks to play through the lines as quickly as possible, often bypassing the opposition’s midfield with long balls or quick one-touch passes.

Key Tactical Takeaway: Wide Overloads and Direct Play

Terzić’s Dortmund creates wide overloads to stretch the opposition’s defense, especially when facing low blocks. With full-backs providing width, the wingers have the freedom to cut inside and take on defenders. Meanwhile, midfielders like Julian Brandt operate in half-spaces, making the team difficult to defend against. The directness in their approach also ensures Dortmund doesn’t get bogged down in slow build-up play.

4. High Pressing and Counter-Pressing

One of the hallmarks of Terzić’s philosophy is the aggressive pressing Dortmund employs, particularly high up the pitch. Dortmund under Terzić doesn’t just look to defend in a low block but actively seeks to win the ball back in advanced areas. The front three are tasked with leading this press, with the midfield line pushing up to compress the space and force the opposition into mistakes.

Terzić’s counter-pressing strategy is equally important. If Dortmund loses the ball, they quickly engage in a coordinated press to win it back. This often happens immediately after a turnover, when the opposition is at its most vulnerable. The key to making this work lies in Dortmund’s organization and fitness levels. Each player needs to know their pressing trigger and have the stamina to maintain high intensity for long periods.

Key Tactical Takeaway: Organized Pressing Triggers

Dortmund doesn’t press chaotically. Each player is assigned specific pressing responsibilities, ensuring that the team maintains its shape even when pressing aggressively. This organized press reduces the risk of being exposed at the back, as the midfielders and defenders are quick to step in and cover when needed.

5. Flexibility in Formations

Although Terzić has primarily employed a 4-3-3 formation, he has shown a willingness to adapt depending on the opposition and the game situation. Against stronger teams, Dortmund may switch to a more cautious 4-2-3-1, allowing for more defensive stability, while in other instances, he might opt for a 3-4-3 to overload the midfield and dominate possession.

This flexibility ensures that Dortmund is not a one-dimensional team. The ability to adapt tactically mid-game is one of the reasons why Terzić has been so successful at managing the team’s performances in big matches. Dortmund’s ability to switch between formations makes them unpredictable, which can unsettle opponents and create more opportunities to exploit weaknesses.

Key Tactical Takeaway: Tactical Flexibility and In-Game Management

Terzić’s willingness to adjust formations and tactics based on the game situation demonstrates a pragmatic approach. Whether defending a lead or chasing a game, Dortmund can shift gears tactically to suit their needs. This flexibility has become a hallmark of Terzić’s tenure, showing his ability to read the game and make adjustments as needed.

6. Maximizing Player Potential

One of Terzić’s greatest strengths as a manager is his ability to get the best out of his players. Players like Jude Bellingham, Karim Adeyemi, and Julian Brandt have all thrived under his guidance. He has also given opportunities to younger talents such as Youssoufa Moukoko, integrating them into the squad while ensuring they develop within a structured system.

The trust Terzić places in his players, combined with his clear tactical instructions, has allowed them to perform at a high level. His man-management skills are crucial in keeping the squad motivated, while his tactical acumen ensures that each player knows their role on the pitch.

The Evolution of Terzić’s Dortmund

Edin Terzić’s Borussia Dortmund is still a work in progress, but the signs are overwhelmingly positive. His blend of defensive structure, midfield dynamism, and attacking fluidity has given Dortmund a distinct identity that balances tradition with modern football. While there are still areas to improve, particularly in consistency against weaker opponents, Dortmund under Terzić looks well-placed to challenge for major honors in the near future.

The tactical insights from his tenure so far highlight a coach who is not only tactically astute but also adaptable. His pressing philosophy, focus on verticality, and flexibility in formations have shaped a Dortmund side capable of competing at the highest level. As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see how Terzić continues to develop this Dortmund team and whether his strategies will deliver the silverware the passionate supporters at Signal Iduna Park crave.