German media outlet TZ has pointed out that Borussia Dortmund’s decision to let Julian Brandt wear the captain’s armband during their Asian tour suggests a high probability of a major adjustment to the team’s captaincy in the upcoming season.
Dortmund played friendly matches in Bangkok, Thailand, and Osaka, Japan. While the results of these friendlies were not crucial, the clear winner was Brandt. The midfielder donned the captain’s armband during both warm-up games and various commercial events, a move considered an exceptional promotion.
After Marco Reus’s departure, Dortmund appointed three captains: Emre Can as the first captain, Gregor Kobel as the second captain, and Nico Schlotterbeck as the third captain. Brandt was not among the three, yet his exceptional armband wear this summer has been interpreted by German media as a signal of a captain change. Although Dortmund’s coach recently stated that “captaincy is not a serious consideration yet,” he is undoubtedly aware of the potential stir this gesture would cause.
German media highlights that Dortmund’s potential captain change is motivated by several factors. On one hand, Emre Can has been plagued by injuries in recent years, making it difficult to guarantee his consistent presence in the starting lineup, especially considering Dortmund’s summer midfield acquisitions, justifying a re-evaluation of captaincy. On the other hand, Emre Can himself has expressed uncertainty about his role as captain, stating, “When I was given the captain’s armband, I felt lost. Initially, I thought I had to save the world…,”
Brandt joined Dortmund in 2019, having served the club for five years with notable achievements. Last season he wore the number 19 jersey, but this season his number has been changed to 10. The German international is known for his diligence, humility, and composure in public speaking, as well as his responsible demeanor, making him a suitable candidate for captaincy. German media believes that Dortmund’s decision to withhold a formal announcement on the captain change is a tactic to observe the dressing room’s reactions, particularly the stances of those involved. Nevertheless, the likelihood of a new captain leading Dortmund in the upcoming season seems high.
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