By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Erling Haaland's mood these days seems to draw a perfect picture of the wavering state of struggling Borussia Dortmund.
The 21-year-old Norwegian seems to have lost his smile, leaving the club's training ground wearing a serious facial expression.
While his move to one of the big European clubs in summer is said to be a done deal, things seem to slip out of hands when it comes to the Black and Yellows' goals.
Following the Champions League and Europa League exit, the elimination in the German Cup, the national title has become out of reach after the painful 4-1 loss to RB Leipzig.
Ahead of the Bundesliga encounter in Stuttgart this Friday evening, the current squad's future is at stake as not only the striker star is departing.
Statements of club officials indicate that the clubs' entire approach might have to undergo significant changes.
Booed off the pitch by its supporters, Haaland seemed to suffer as much as his teammates. The 295 minutes without scoring develop into a heavy load on his shoulders.
Club and fans are annoyed by him and his agent as their future plans remain a secret. Haaland's reluctance is causing difficulties as Borussia needs to decide on how to re-invest the expected transfer fee.
Sporting director Sebastian Kehl indicated several players have to leave while new arrivals should be able to lift Borussia to a more competitive level.
Coach Marco Rose is under fire by fans and media but for now, can count on the club leader's trust.
The 45-year-old has found open words regarding the team's deficits. "This season has shown us, we have gaps regarding squad structure and dealing with a three-day game rhythm," Rose said.
The Dortmund coach is concerned "that the gap between top international sides and us might get bigger."
Dortmund might lose contact when the team can't gain robustness and speed. Rose said: "Watching this week's Champions League games might be an example of how robust and quick football is today. We must ask ourselves: Why can we follow these requirements for only 20 minutes against Leipzig?"
New arrivals won't do the job, he added, but a relaunch regarding the mental approach. "You need to be ready to deliver sprints, fighting spirit, and speed; to just play nice football isn't enough."
Bayern defender Niklas Sule is Dortmund's first new arrival for the 2022-23 season. He and others should stand for commitment, personality, and speed, Kehl said.
Doubts remain about the current squads' skills as Rose said: "Against Leipzig, we had enough internationals on the pitch. They should have enough experience and motivation to turn things in our favor."
Rose seems aware, he is the one responsible to secure progress. "I am meant to be part of the solution. But I know, if things don't work, I am the one having to pay the bill."
For now, departures will be selected among the players. Some want to leave, and some have to leave, Rose said.
Emre Can, Julian Brandt, Thorgan Hazard, and Nico Schulz are said to depart, while the contracts of Dan-Axel Zagadou and Axel Witsel expire. Manuel Akanji is heading for new shores.
As it seems happy times are a thing of the past for Dortmund. ■
