By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Borussia Dortmund might claim to have closed the gap on its national rival Bayern Munich in the 3-2 German Classico loss on Saturday evening.
But to fulfil the club's ambitions, such as being a serious challenger to the 2020 treble-winning Bavarians and win titles, it seems it will take more than just one brave game.
The Black and Yellow's might have found out that determination is needed in the long run to win silverware.
After mentality, consistency on a high level appears vital if a club is to win as many titles as Bayern has.
Players like Thomas Mueller, Joshua Kimmich, Manuel Neuer, and Robert Lewandowski often deliver top performances in big games and in encounters against underdogs.
"What makes us strong is the endless ambition in our squad. The guys are never satisfied and take on all challenges they have to face," Bayern coach Hansi Flick commented.
"We won the Classico because we were always that bit quicker when needed and more efficient," Bayern midfielder Leon Goretzka said.
It might be an unrealizable dream for Dortmund to outdo the country's leading side at present. The financial gap remains significant and won't change soon in Borussia's favour.
Looking at the quality of Dortmund's squad, each club's revenue stands out. Bayern is rated at 750 million euros while Dortmund is down at a "mere" 500 million.
Bayern's former president Uli Hoeness comments on the rival's strategy might have hit the nail on the head. Dortmund won't overtake or seriously challenge Bayern, as long as the club relies on high-quality talents using Dortmund as a stopover, Hoeness feels.
It has been one of Bayern's advantages to replace stalwarts with substitutes of a similar standard. In contrast, one can't assume Dortmund will be able to be as successful whenever Erling Haaland, Jadon Sancho, or Mats Hummels are side-lined.
Bayern has managed to establish the club as a consistent power in international football. A substantial financial benefit is included.
The coach's influence on the team, tactics, and atmosphere might only play a subordinate role as it is nothing more than a minor piece of the puzzle.
Both Bayern and Dortmund have had their share of difficulties finding the right coach. Dortmund has had trouble since coaching icon Juergen Klopp left for Liverpool and Bayern after the impressive Pep Guardiola departed for Manchester City.
Bayern's record number of titles over the past years seems to tell the real story. With trebles won in 2013 and 2020, and the addition of eight consecutive national championships, it appears to back the theory that the financial advantage puts the club ahead of challengers such as Dortmund, no matter how they try to turn things around on the pitch. Enditem
