Borussia Dortmund has implemented an unusual developmental and logistical measure during the international break, assigning first-team attackers Maximilian Beier and Marcel Sabitzer to train alongside the club’s U23 squad while the majority of Nuri Şahin’s roster serves with their respective national teams.
Managing a Depleted Roster During International Duty
With 20 Borussia Dortmund players away on international duty, training sessions at the club’s Brackel headquarters have taken on an unconventional look. According to reports from German outlets including kicker and BILD, head coach Nuri Şahin and his staff formulated a specialized plan for Maximilian Beier and Marcel Sabitzer, directing the duo to complete sessions with the club’s under-23 team alongside individualized home office work and tailored running schedules.
The decision allows the coaching staff to maintain competitive training loads and sharp tactical focus for players who remained in Dortmund. Beier, the young forward who arrived from 1899 Hoffenheim, and Sabitzer, the experienced Austrian midfielder, form a unique bridge between the senior professional ranks and the club’s youth setup during the two-week domestic pause.
Tailored Schedules and Workloads
According to regional reporting, the hybrid approach combines structured group workouts under the U23 coaching umbrella with remote physical conditioning regimens designed to keep both athletes in peak condition. For Sabitzer, the modified schedule offers valuable physical management following a demanding stretch of Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League fixtures. For Beier, training alongside younger prospects while rubbing shoulders with senior staff provides an intensive environment to accelerate his integration into Dortmund’s tactical system.
Next Steps on the Bundesliga Calendar
Borussia Dortmund will reconvene with a full squad later in the week as international players return from fixtures with Germany, Austria, and other federations.
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