Lucien Favre’s Borussia Dortmund Tenure: Success, Innovation, and a Questionable Farewell
Lucien Favre’s departure from Borussia Dortmund surprised many. Despite recent struggles in domestic play, Dortmund led their UEFA Champions League group at the time of his sacking. Favre’s time at the helm was marked by tactical brilliance, bold squad decisions, and a style of play reminiscent of the club’s most successful eras. This article examines Favre’s impact, his near-misses with silverware, and why his exit could have lasting repercussions for Borussia Dortmund.
The 2018-19 Campaign: An Exciting Rise and a Dramatic Fall
Favre’s first season in charge brought thrilling football and renewed optimism to Dortmund fans. Deploying his signature 4-2-3-1 formation, Favre immediately got the team firing on all cylinders. Club captain Marco Reus, largely injury-free that year, led the line with inspired performances. A breakout season from teenage sensation Jadon Sancho electrified the Bundesliga, while striker Paco Alcacer set records for goals as a substitute early in his Dortmund career.
In midfield, Thomas Delaney and Axel Witsel established a formidable partnership, providing security and creativity. Favre’s willingness to innovate, such as moving Raphael Guerreiro to a winger role and experimenting with Julian Weigl as a centre-back, drove the team to the top of the Bundesliga for much of the campaign.
Dortmund delivered unforgettable moments, including a resounding 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League group stage. Heading into the winter break, they held a nine-point lead in the league. The squad’s chemistry was their greatest asset—the team regularly overturned deficits in matches with dramatic late comebacks. Alcacer, dubbed the “super-sub”, was often the difference-maker in close games.
However, the second half of the season exposed vulnerabilities. The mid-season transfer of Christian Pulisic to Chelsea sparked disruption, and defensive inconsistency plagued the back line. Injuries to key players, most notably Marco Reus during a cup tie, further destabilized their title bid. Defensive lapses from Abdou Diallo and Manuel Akanji in crunch moments led to dropped points in crucial matches against teams like Hoffenheim and Bremen. Ultimately, Dortmund narrowly lost the league title to Bayern Munich by a two-point margin. Though heartbreaking, the campaign restored Dortmund’s identity and brought hope for the future.
2019-20: Squad Reinforcements and Tactical Evolution
Dortmund’s transfer strategy flourished during Favre’s second season. The signings of Thorgan Hazard, Julian Brandt, and the return of Mats Hummels significantly bolstered the squad. The capture of Erling Haaland in the winter transfer window was pivotal; the Norwegian striker quickly became one of Europe’s most feared forwards. Additionally, extending Achraf Hakimi’s loan added dynamism to the flanks.
Despite these improvements, the Bundesliga title remained elusive, primarily due to the unstoppable form of Hansi Flick’s Bayern Munich, who not only claimed the league but also conquered Europe by winning the Champions League. Dortmund, however, achieved second place again, outperforming rivals Leipzig and Monchengladbach.
Favre’s flexibility stood out in this season. Facing persistent centre-back problems—aging stars and recurring injuries—he reinvented the defensive setup mid-season. Early struggles saw Dortmund held back by draws against weaker oppositions, resulting from defensive frailty. In response, Favre converted the team to a three-at-the-back system, often lining up as 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1. This tactical shift unlocked the potential of wing-backs Raphael Guerreiro and Achraf Hakimi, who became crucial offensive weapons.
Marco Reus kicked off the campaign in excellent form and Jadon Sancho’s explosive contributions in goals and assists drew comparisons with some of the world’s best players. Once Haaland joined, the attack became even more formidable. During the run that followed the switch to a back-three, Dortmund won 10 of 12 Bundesliga matches before the COVID-19 break, with only one defeat.
Despite a narrow Champions League exit to PSG in the round of 16, and continuing injuries in defense, Dortmund enjoyed a productive end to the season and Favre appeared secure in his position.
2020-21: Promising Progress Cut Short
The new season brought high expectations, although overtaking a dominant Bayern Munich side was considered a tall order. Although Dortmund’s league campaign was not perfect, it was far from disastrous. The team continued to excel in Europe, finishing top of their Champions League group. Key youngsters like Jude Bellingham and Gio Reyna were thriving, testament to Favre’s inclination to trust emerging talent.
However, the departures and injury woes began to catch up with the squad. Losing Achraf Hakimi, an instrumental figure in previous campaigns, created a void on the right wing that Thomas Meunier, despite his quality and experience, struggled to fill. Raphael Guerreiro’s early-season injuries further hampered Dortmund’s flank play, leading to reliance on the less experienced Felix Passlack.
Jadon Sancho, pivotal in the two preceding seasons, saw a dip in form after a rumored move to Manchester failed to materialize. Injuries to creative players like Thorgan Hazard, Marco Reus, and Emre Can meant that Dortmund often lacked game-changing options.
Despite these setbacks, the team continued playing proactive football and maintained their Champions League standing. Nevertheless, after a short run of disappointing league results, the club made the decision to dismiss Favre—a move that puzzled fans and analysts alike.
The Favre Legacy: Innovation and Lasting Impact
Lucien Favre’s stint at Borussia Dortmund bridged the gap between the excitement of the Jurgen Klopp era and the modern ambitions of the club. He revitalized Dortmund with an attractive brand of football, integrated next-generation talents, and maintained a standard of performance that kept the club among the top sides in Germany and Europe.
Favre’s adaptability and willingness to innovate—whether by reshuffling formations or finding new roles for established players—left an indelible mark on the team. Players like Haaland, Sancho, and Hakimi reached new heights under his guidance. Dortmund’s renewed energy and tactical flexibility became a hallmark of his managerial approach.
Unanswered Questions and Future Challenges
Favre’s dismissal leaves Borussia Dortmund in a precarious position. The club’s previous abrupt managerial changes—such as the post-Tuchel phase with Bosz and Stöger—serve as cautionary tales. The scarcity of top-caliber German managers available only amplifies the challenge of finding the right successor.
With the core of a talented squad intact but several question marks looming, Dortmund’s ability to sustain progress is uncertain. Fans look back on Favre’s tenure as a period of vibrant football, growth, and near-successes, and there remains a sense that his work was cut short prematurely.
Conclusion
Lucien Favre’s era at Borussia Dortmund will be remembered for more than just missed silverware. He reinvigorated the club, set standards for attractive play, and helped reshape the team’s future. While the decision to part ways was controversial, his influence resonates in the attacking style and tactical sophistication he instilled. Dortmund supporters and football neutrals alike will look back at Favre’s years as a time of excitement and promise—an era that set the stage for what could have been and may yet inspire the club’s next steps.
