Three things we learnt from the Bundesliga Konferenz

After Bayern Munich’s 3-0 win against Augsburg on Friday night, the Bundesliga Konferenez returned on Saturday afternoon with Borussia Dortmund convincingly beating SC Freiburg 4-0, Bayer Leverkusen coming from behind to beat Heidenheim 5-2, Hoffenheim also coming from behind to beat RB Leipzig 4-3 while there were also wins for VfB Stuttgart (2-0 vs Bochum) and Wolfsburg (1-0 vs Union Berlin).

Here is what we learnt:

Patrik Schick steps up for Bayer Leverkusen:

The injury to Victor Boniface was a big blow for Leverkusen as after Florian Wirtz the Nigerian has been one of die Werkself’s best players. While Patrik Schick has struggled in form after injuries and playing behind Boniface but with his injury, Schick now needed to step up.

And he did.

The 28-year-old was crucial in Leverkusen coming from behind to beat Heidenheim 5-2 with a fine poacher’s performance. The main issue now is that Schick has to continue this form to help Leverkusen climb back up the table as last season Schick scored a hat-trick against Bochum before Boniface left for the Africa Cup of Nations, looking like he was back to his best, but failed to capitalise on this form.

Away from their attack, Leverkusen’s defending remains an issue. Both of Heidenheim’s goals came from situations that could have been avoided with simply put, better defending. 

Christian Ilzer breathes new life into Hoffenheim:

Hoffenheim were never meant to be in the position that Christian Ilzer inherited from Pellegrino Matarazzo but under their new head coach they look like a rejuvenated side. The game against Leipzig, the ‘El Plastico’ was slightly chaotic but Hoffenheim took the game to Leipzig and deserved their win. The highlight of the game was Tom Bischof’s direct free kick to equalise for Hoffenheim just after halftime. 

If Ilzer can maintain this high-intensity style of play then Hoffenheim will ease away from the relegation places and may be able to cause bigger teams to trip up.

Borussia Dortmund must build on win with consistency:

Dortmund’s 4-0 win against Freiburg means that have a 100% record at home in the Bundesliga this season. However, Dortmund’s issue is their lack of consistency, especially away from home. Away from the Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund have not won a game this will have to change if Dortmund want to continue closing the gap on the teams ahead of them. 

However, Dortmund’s home record will be put to the biggest of tests next weekend as they host Bayern Munich. If, like against Leipzig earlier this month, they are able to beat the currently unbeaten Bayern it can be used as a launching pad for their season. Last season they were able to avenge their demons at the Allianz Arena, but if Dortmund want to be taken seriously for once, a result against Bayern will do them a lot of favours. 

GGFN | Jack Meenan