18.07.2008

Luhukay hails new signings

The 2-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion was Borussia's fourth win in four pre-season warm-up games. Purely from a results point of view, then, they seem to be on the right track.

Yet it was not only the win over the Premier League new boys that gave Borussia boss Jos Luhukay a feeling of satisfaction: "Again I was able to gain lots of positive insights concerning not just individual players, but also the team as a whole."

As in the previous three warm-up matches Borussia operated with two central holding midfielders. In the first half it was Gal Alberman and Patrick Paauwe, in the second Alberman and Sebastian Svard. All three did a reliable job, allowing the English side hardly any chances. Alberman, the new signing from Israel, came in for some special praise from his coach after the game: "He interprets the holding position as a player who switches the play incredibly well without ever losing sight of the shape of the team."

Luhukay also singled out another new recruit for praise: "Karim Matmour was outstanding the way he acted as a link between defence and attack and the various departments of the team. He was constantly available and tore holes in their rearguard with his dribbling at pace." The Dutchman also felt the other two new boys, Jan-Ingwer Callsen-Bracker and Jean-Sebastien Jaures, had fitted in well. "The new lads showed why we brought them in", he added.

One reason for this is certainly that Borussia are much more flexible this season, both tactically and in the way they play. In the first half Luhukay went with a 4-4-2, before switching to a 4-2-3-1 after making his half-time substitutions: Marcel Ndjeng, Sharbel Touma and Sascha Rösler operated in attacking midfield behind Roberto Colautti (and then Moses Lamidi). The introduction of Lamidi, in particular, had a particular impact. Borussia dropped deeper and sought to create openings by getting the ball forward quickly – as demonstrated by the goal that put them 2-1 up, when Sharbel Touma set up Lamidi for his fourth goal in four pre-season games with a textbook square pass. "An outstanding move", said Luhukay.

Nevertheless the Borussia boss attached more importance to his side's defensive work than their attacking play, saying: "We worked hard when we didn't have the ball and didn't give them many chances." The Dutchman made six changes at half-time and another two with an hour gone, something he put down to the current physical condition of his players. "It would be too much to play the full 90 minutes. We have to bring the players on gradually; we're in the middle of a tough pre-season programme." For Rob Friend the game against West Brom came too early. The Canadian resumed training just ten days ago and is not set to make his first appearance until next Wednesday against SC Heerenveen at the Grenzlandstadion in Rheydt (kick-off: 1730 CET).

Yesterday's 2-1 win means Borussia are now undefeated in ten games against international opposition, the last reverse coming in a 1-0 defeat against Fulham in Goch almost two years ago. Since then they have picked up eight wins and two draws