By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Ahead of a crucial group match against Spanish giants FC Barcelona this Wednesday in the Champions League, Borussia Dortmund finds itself trapped with an unsolved coaching issue.
Since the legendary Jurgen Klopp left in 2012, the Black and Yellows have tried and failed to find a suitable heir. All of the current Liverpool coach's successors have faced the same problem: they haven't addressed the club's desire to find a leader as charismatic and passionate as Klopp.
Thomas Tuchel, Peter Stoger, Peter Bosz and incumbent Lucien Favre have not only had to fight against challenges on the pitch, but the giant footsteps of their predecessor.
Media reports speak of the club's fatal addiction to Klopp and a glorious past.
Their collaboration with the current manager seems to be approaching the finish line, as Favre appears to be running out of ideas to turn things around.
The Swiss coach's cautious style of play doesn't seem to fit well with the players in his squad, who are better suited to incisive, attacking football.
The 62-year-old has now been given the last chance to find success this week in two games against Barcelona and a Bundesliga clash against Hertha BSC.
What could solutions look like for a club trying to break the dominance of national rivals Bayern Munich and play a vital role on the international stage?
NEW FACES
An investment of 130 million euros in advance of the 2019-20 season hasn't yet paid off. Recently, club CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke announced a new contract with sportswear firm Puma worth 250 million euros over eight years.
Rumors speak of further investments in new players in the winter break. Former German international Lothar Matthaus recommended the club sign Emre Can and Mario Mandzukic, both currently warming the subs' bench at Italian champions Juventus.
Watzke admitted mistakes when selecting the current squad "as we missed out on signing a second number 9."
NEW COACH
With Barcelona having last lost a home game in the Champions League in 2013, a creditable draw might be enough for Favre to survive the moment.
Media reports speak of a weak coaching market as the main reason for Dortmund to stick with Favre, with possible solutions seeming to have specific drawbacks.
Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino isn't a native speaker of German, and it is uncertain whether the Argentinian would join a club of Dortmund's level at this stage of the season only a few weeks after his dismissal from the Premier League outfit.
Former Bayern coach Niko Kovac and former RB Leipzig and Schalke coach Ralf Rangnick will likely not be accepted by Dortmund's supporters, having previously worked for arch-rivals.
Former Chinese Super League coach Roger Schmidt seems far from the prominent name Dortmund is dreaming of and is seen as an unknown quantity, while current external advisor and former coach Matthias Sammer has refused several times to return to the dugout.
NEW MENTALITY
Next to Favre, the team's leaders remain under fire, as none of Marco Reus, Axel Witsel, Julian Brandt and Thorgan Hazard seem in their best form.
"Words and commitment are not enough this time," stressed sporting director Michael Zorc.
Watzke is demanding determination and robustness.
Players need to be "ready to suffer," said captain Reus, but he admitted the team is having mental struggles, "as we only perform when we have nothing to lose."
Considering that, Barcelona seems the best challenge possible at present.
