体坛英语新闻：Feature: Dortmund aiming at title with new approach

BERLIN, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Borussia Dortmund is no longer satisfied with its role as the number two in the German Bundesliga behind the ruling force Bayern Munich.

Therefore, the Blacks and Yellows renewed their approach after seven consecutive national titles won by the Bavarian rival.

Instead of strengthening their reputation as the country's leading club in developing national and international talents, the Westphalian's in advance of the 2019/2020 season changed their transfer policy significantly.

Dortmund might still be the prime address for promising youngsters but has increased the competition within its squad massively.

"Dortmund's new strategy will lead to a closer title race, and I am sure it is going to pay off," former German international and Bayern midfielder Stefan Effenberg commented. Fans, the 50-year-old predicted, will see a "much more thrilling season."

Dortmund's managing director Michael Zorc might currently be eying Romania's under-21 superstar Ianis Hagi, son of the country's legend Gheorghe Hagi, at the U21 European Championship in Italy but it is the experienced ones among the new faces such as Mats Hummels, Thorgan Hazard, Nico Schulz and Julian Brandt having to do the job.

Returning Hummels is said to be a vital factor as the 30-year-old former German international admitted to being ready to help win the national title. "Mats knows how things work in a leading team and how to finish a season with a title," Zorc said after Hummels passed the medical exam after joining in after three years in Bayern's shirt.

Not only the young talents will have to deal with fresh competitors so will have established performers such as Marco Reus. The German international has to battle it out over the job in the front line with new arrival Brandt, who is part of the 130-million investment made by Borussia.

Dortmund claims to improve its team to gain further national and international success. But the bitter experience of having gambled away a seven-point lead last season in the national league has undoubtedly left its marks.

CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke, external advisor, and former German international Matthias Sammer and Zorc decided to skip the previous strategy to widely rely on highly gifted talents.

"We are aware we have invested a lot of money, but consider the fundamental changes on the international transfer market," Zorc emphasized not mentioning that his side was one of the profiteers of increasing transfer sums.

Now it is Dortmund following new pattern's as to buy established performers from other German clubs and not only rely on emerging talents from France like Ousmane Dembele (105 million to Barcelona) or Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (65 million to Arsenal).

Zorc justifies the new strategy when pointing out "that top class players normally fit together well" and adding "without a tight competition, you can hardly reach your goals." The former Dortmund midfielder is expecting a motivation boost for the entire team.

Watzke said not only Hummels is ambitious to win the 2019/2020 title. The entire club is ready to express new goals and not only to talk about being the runner-up behind Bayern.

Now Dortmund coach Lucien Favre faces a new situation as the Swiss manager's tactical options are increasing, so do expectations. At the same time, he will have to deal with growing disappointment from those in his squad who might be the losers of their clubs' new approach.