Dortmund’s Defensive Gamble Raises Questions Before Union Berlin Test
Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac has made an unexpected squad decision ahead of his side’s difficult Bundesliga trip to Union Berlin. According to Ruhr Nachrichten, young centre-backs Filippo Mane and Luca Reggiani are set to miss Saturday’s first-team fixture and instead feature for Dortmund’s reserves against SC Wiedenbrück in the Regionalliga West.
The choice has prompted questions about the depth of Dortmund’s defence, particularly because vice-captain Nico Schlotterbeck’s fitness remains uncertain. The German international sat out Wednesday’s Champions League match against Bodø/Glimt as a precaution after suffering an ankle injury while on international duty. He returned to the starting line-up against Werder Bremen last Friday, but that appearance did not necessarily confirm that he is fully recovered.
With Union Berlin known for making home matches physically demanding, Dortmund may have little room for error at the back. If Schlotterbeck is ready, Kovac is expected to pair him with Waldemar Anton and highly rated new arrival Joane Gadou in a three-man defence. Ramy Bensebaini could be the only experienced centre-back option available from the bench if Mane and Reggiani are indeed assigned to reserve-team duty.
Why Kovac’s decision is attracting attention
On paper, giving young defenders minutes with the reserves can be a sensible way to maintain their match fitness. However, the timing is striking. Dortmund are preparing for a challenging away fixture, and Schlotterbeck’s condition is not entirely clear. Should another defender suffer an injury or be forced off, the club could find itself with limited specialist cover.
Bensebaini offered some reassurance in Norway. He replaced Schlotterbeck in the starting line-up against Bodø/Glimt and delivered a composed, alert performance. Even so, relying on one senior backup leaves little margin for disruption. The decision could prove harmless if Dortmund’s expected starters remain fit, but it would look riskier if the defensive unit is tested early.
Union Berlin’s home ground is rarely an easy place to visit. The hosts typically look to unsettle opponents with intensity, duels and pressure, making defensive organisation especially important. Dortmund’s football will need to be supported by a back line capable of dealing with direct attacks and set-piece situations. That is why the availability of cover has become a significant talking point ahead of the match.
Where Mane and Reggiani stand in Dortmund’s plans
Neither young defender has played regularly for Dortmund’s first team this season. Mane has collected 138 minutes across three appearances, while Reggiani has featured twice for a total of 50 minutes. Those figures underline how difficult it can be for emerging players to secure opportunities at a club competing across domestic and European competitions.
The pair were involved with the reserves last weekend against Wattenscheid. Mane, who had been recovering from a muscle injury, started the match, while Reggiani came on after half-time. Reggiani had also spent the previous evening on the bench for the senior side against Werder Bremen, leaving him without meaningful first-team action.
Their situations have changed considerably over the past year. Reggiani emerged as a surprise option during the second half of last season, when injuries in the first-team defence and the unexpected departure of loan player Aaron Anselmino created an opening. The Italian took advantage, starting eight of 16 possible competitive matches and showing enough promise to earn a professional contract.
One of the defining moments of that breakthrough came in mid-March, when Reggiani scored his first Bundesliga goal against FC Augsburg. His progress suggested that he could become a valuable part of Dortmund’s defensive future. However, football squad hierarchies can shift quickly, and the arrival of new competition has made his path back into the side more complicated.
Mane moves ahead as competition grows
By the summer, Mane had moved ahead of Reggiani in Dortmund’s internal centre-back order. Gadou’s arrival added another promising option, further narrowing the Italian’s chances of regular first-team minutes. While competition can raise standards, it can also leave young players with limited opportunities to develop at senior level.
Reggiani reportedly rejected a possible move during the summer transfer window, but his outlook may have since changed. A departure in the winter window is now considered a possibility, although no transfer is confirmed. The club will have to weigh the value of retaining a young defender against the player’s need for regular competitive football.
Interest from Italy could make the situation particularly relevant. AC Milan and Inter Milan were reportedly among the clubs to make enquiries during the summer, while Reggiani is also said to have turned down an offer from Southampton on deadline day. If that interest continues, Dortmund could face a decision over whether to keep him, arrange a loan or consider a permanent transfer.
What the squad call could mean for Saturday
Kovac’s selection choice may reflect a desire to give Mane and Reggiani regular minutes rather than leave them on the senior bench. Reserve-team football can help young defenders maintain rhythm, build confidence and continue their development. But with Schlotterbeck’s fitness still a talking point, the decision also carries an element of risk.
The match prediction for Dortmund will depend partly on how stable the defence looks once the teams are confirmed. A fit Schlotterbeck alongside Anton and Gadou would give Kovac a strong starting trio, with Bensebaini available as cover. If an injury or late fitness issue alters those plans, the absence of Mane and Reggiani could become more consequential.
For Dortmund, the immediate priority is to secure a disciplined performance against a demanding opponent. For Reggiani, meanwhile, the reserve-team assignment may be another sign that his role has diminished since last season’s breakthrough. Saturday’s decision will not determine his long-term future, but it highlights the competing pressures facing a club that must balance results, squad depth and the development of its young football talent.
