DFB.de regularly looks at a Germany international who is likely to have an interesting weekend. Today: Mats Hummels, whose Borussia Dortmund side visit Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday (18:30 CET).
Mats Hummels has his own opinions and the 26-year-old World Champion has expressed them. Borussia Dortmund ended 2014 in 17th place and their form was questioned, analysed and discussed. Why is this the case, who is making what mistakes and why?
Hummels self criticises
The head coach faced questions, the powers that be too. And the players? Of course and Hummels wasn’t scared to answer them. The defender pointed the finger at a player who wasn’t performing at the top level. He wasn’t trying to hide, he was honest and self critical. He was talking about himself.
In some interviews he spoke about his mistakes as well as how he felt he hadn’t successfully gone about his business as the team’s new captain. For example, on Facebook he said: “I’ve not been playing well so far and hopefully I can put that behind me by improving after Christmas.”
He made those comments on Christmas Eve and similar sentiments were echoed recently. In an interview with Bild he said: “It’s annoying that we’re so inconsistent. One good game is followed by two bad ones.”
The main problems: Injury, Rehab, Return, Injury
Mats Hummels is a formidable footballer: He’s calm, has a good outlook, is mentally strong, can play the game well, can read the game well and play the ball out from the back – the list is endless. In recent weeks he also showcased another of his skills: Self criticism. But that doesn’t mean his self confidence has been damaged as a result of this.
Hummels’ season has been stop start, but he’s taken responsibility for this and hasn’t looked to make excuses. It’s been a tough campaign for the defender and can simply be boiled down to four words: Injury, Rehab, Return, Injury.
Here’s further clarification on the situation: Damage to tendons in his knee meant that he missed the first four games of the season. He came back but on matchday 10 he picked up another injury against FC Bayern: He sprained ligaments in one of his ankles. He missed a further three weeks. Once again, he returned but back complaints impeded his progress. He has made 10 appearances so far this season but has only completed a game on six occasions. It’s therefore no surprise that he has struggled to find his rhythm so far.
Tough start: Trip to Leverkusen
Hummels ignores his personal circumstances; he’s more interested in the results than his own situation. Plus, he wants to look at the future and attempt to forget the injuries which have dogged his season so far. On Saturday (18:30 CET), the second half of the Bundesliga season starts for BVB when Jürgen Klopp’s side travel to Leverkusen.
The game could be a turning point for Dortmund, but it’s probably a case of taking small steps. Numbers don’t lie. They have the same number of points and the same goal difference as SC Freiburg, who currently occupy bottom spot. Hummels is leading a Dortmund fight against relegation. Some people are speaking about a return to the Champions League places, but Hummels isn’t focussed on that yet. “The important thing is that we get into form as quickly as possible and pull away from the relegation zone,” he explained.
The Germany international feels his teammates are well prepared. Hummels feels the team have the mental qualities needed, not just the on-pitch ones. “You’re under pressure in Champions League finals, Cup finals or in any games where you have the chance of winning a competition. Relegation fights are the same,” said Hummels.
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DFB.de regularly looks at a Germany international who is likely to have an interesting weekend. Today: Mats Hummels, whose Borussia Dortmund side visit Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday (18:30 CET).
Mats Hummels has his own opinions and the 26-year-old World Champion has expressed them. Borussia Dortmund ended 2014 in 17th place and their form was questioned, analysed and discussed. Why is this the case, who is making what mistakes and why?
Hummels self criticises
The head coach faced questions, the powers that be too. And the players? Of course and Hummels wasn’t scared to answer them. The defender pointed the finger at a player who wasn’t performing at the top level. He wasn’t trying to hide, he was honest and self critical. He was talking about himself.
In some interviews he spoke about his mistakes as well as how he felt he hadn’t successfully gone about his business as the team’s new captain. For example, on Facebook he said: “I’ve not been playing well so far and hopefully I can put that behind me by improving after Christmas.”
He made those comments on Christmas Eve and similar sentiments were echoed recently. In an interview with Bild he said: “It’s annoying that we’re so inconsistent. One good game is followed by two bad ones.”
The main problems: Injury, Rehab, Return, Injury
Mats Hummels is a formidable footballer: He’s calm, has a good outlook, is mentally strong, can play the game well, can read the game well and play the ball out from the back – the list is endless. In recent weeks he also showcased another of his skills: Self criticism. But that doesn’t mean his self confidence has been damaged as a result of this.
Hummels’ season has been stop start, but he’s taken responsibility for this and hasn’t looked to make excuses. It’s been a tough campaign for the defender and can simply be boiled down to four words: Injury, Rehab, Return, Injury.
Here’s further clarification on the situation: Damage to tendons in his knee meant that he missed the first four games of the season. He came back but on matchday 10 he picked up another injury against FC Bayern: He sprained ligaments in one of his ankles. He missed a further three weeks. Once again, he returned but back complaints impeded his progress. He has made 10 appearances so far this season but has only completed a game on six occasions. It’s therefore no surprise that he has struggled to find his rhythm so far.
Tough start: Trip to Leverkusen
Hummels ignores his personal circumstances; he’s more interested in the results than his own situation. Plus, he wants to look at the future and attempt to forget the injuries which have dogged his season so far. On Saturday (18:30 CET), the second half of the Bundesliga season starts for BVB when Jürgen Klopp’s side travel to Leverkusen.
The game could be a turning point for Dortmund, but it’s probably a case of taking small steps. Numbers don’t lie. They have the same number of points and the same goal difference as SC Freiburg, who currently occupy bottom spot. Hummels is leading a Dortmund fight against relegation. Some people are speaking about a return to the Champions League places, but Hummels isn’t focussed on that yet. “The important thing is that we get into form as quickly as possible and pull away from the relegation zone,” he explained.
The Germany international feels his teammates are well prepared. Hummels feels the team have the mental qualities needed, not just the on-pitch ones. “You’re under pressure in Champions League finals, Cup finals or in any games where you have the chance of winning a competition. Relegation fights are the same,” said Hummels.
