In the history of sport, smaller injuries than that which Marco Reus suffered before the 2016 European Championship have ended careers. It was an inflammation in the groin region which meant the 27-year-old had to miss a second consecutive major tournament with Germany having also had to sit out the 2014 World Cup in Brazil because of injury.
When would he return? How would be when he returned? Would he return at all? These were all unanswered questions for Reus and the people close to him during a tough few summer months last year. However, the dark thoughts eventually disappeared and turned towards thoughts of a comeback, which Reus achieved and with success.
When you look at Reus now, you see a self-confident and determined young man who enjoys his football. Off the field in interviews, he comes across as mature and reflective. Reus appears increasingly able to carry more weight on his shoulders and seems to have the self-confidence of a man at ease with himself.
Aura and calmness
Thomas Tuchel, Reus’ trainer at BVB, said this about him: "I have the feeling that he grew enormously in character while he was out injured", said the 43-year-old. “He has a huge aura in the dressing room and the necessary calmness on the pitch, but also a bit of bite. He’s aware of his quality.”
Since his spectacular comeback on 22nd November 2016 when he scored two goals and got three assists in the crazy 8-4 win over Legia Warsaw in the Champions League, Reus has remained on a brilliant run of form. Only a minor muscle injury sustained in the home game against Leverkusen slowed him down briefly. Dortmund’s vice-captain played a key role in BVB’s solid second half of the season, no more so than in their 3-0 win away at SC Freiburg.
In Freiburg it became apparent that Reus and strike partner Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were developing a very good partnership. That day in Breisgau, Reus danced past Çağlar Söyüncü on the touchline and laid the ball on a plate for his buddy Aubameyang to slot home. Reus is no longer the man who needs to be set up, rather he has become the creator.
Thumbs up!
Dortmund-born Reus worked meticulously and diligently towards his comeback from injury and is now reaping the rewards of this hard work. He allowed himself time, sought the advice of the experts and didn’t put himself under too much pressure. The most important thing was how his body felt and he didn’t put a time frame on his return. As soon as he felt fit and ready he gave the thumbs up and returned to the field. The injury sustained against Leverkusen was a small set-back, but Reus no longer doubts himself or his body. When he returned to Bundesliga action against Eintracht Frankfurt in mid-April, Reus played with a freedom which suggested he had never been injured.
It was an important match for BVB for various reason, particularly though because it was the first Bundesliga game after the attack on the team bus on 11th April. Reus wasn’t on the bus during the attack. He did not experience the sound of explosions, the cracking of windows and the screams of his teammates, but it was still a traumatic experience for everyone associated with the club and one which could have had even worse consequences.
In the history of sport, smaller injuries than that which Marco Reus suffered before the 2016 European Championship have ended careers. It was an inflammation in the groin region which meant the 27-year-old had to miss a second consecutive major tournament with Germany having also had to sit out the 2014 World Cup in Brazil because of injury.
When would he return? How would be when he returned? Would he return at all? These were all unanswered questions for Reus and the people close to him during a tough few summer months last year. However, the dark thoughts eventually disappeared and turned towards thoughts of a comeback, which Reus achieved and with success.
When you look at Reus now, you see a self-confident and determined young man who enjoys his football. Off the field in interviews, he comes across as mature and reflective. Reus appears increasingly able to carry more weight on his shoulders and seems to have the self-confidence of a man at ease with himself.
Aura and calmness
Thomas Tuchel, Reus’ trainer at BVB, said this about him: "I have the feeling that he grew enormously in character while he was out injured", said the 43-year-old. “He has a huge aura in the dressing room and the necessary calmness on the pitch, but also a bit of bite. He’s aware of his quality.”
Since his spectacular comeback on 22nd November 2016 when he scored two goals and got three assists in the crazy 8-4 win over Legia Warsaw in the Champions League, Reus has remained on a brilliant run of form. Only a minor muscle injury sustained in the home game against Leverkusen slowed him down briefly. Dortmund’s vice-captain played a key role in BVB’s solid second half of the season, no more so than in their 3-0 win away at SC Freiburg.
In Freiburg it became apparent that Reus and strike partner Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were developing a very good partnership. That day in Breisgau, Reus danced past Çağlar Söyüncü on the touchline and laid the ball on a plate for his buddy Aubameyang to slot home. Reus is no longer the man who needs to be set up, rather he has become the creator.
Thumbs up!
Dortmund-born Reus worked meticulously and diligently towards his comeback from injury and is now reaping the rewards of this hard work. He allowed himself time, sought the advice of the experts and didn’t put himself under too much pressure. The most important thing was how his body felt and he didn’t put a time frame on his return. As soon as he felt fit and ready he gave the thumbs up and returned to the field. The injury sustained against Leverkusen was a small set-back, but Reus no longer doubts himself or his body. When he returned to Bundesliga action against Eintracht Frankfurt in mid-April, Reus played with a freedom which suggested he had never been injured.
It was an important match for BVB for various reason, particularly though because it was the first Bundesliga game after the attack on the team bus on 11th April. Reus wasn’t on the bus during the attack. He did not experience the sound of explosions, the cracking of windows and the screams of his teammates, but it was still a traumatic experience for everyone associated with the club and one which could have had even worse consequences.
It left a sombreness hanging over Borussia Dortmund for a number of difficult days following the attack. As details were revealed, it became apparent that the horrific event could have had catastrophic and tragic consequences for BVB. However, football had to carry on, the only question was how given what the Dortmund players and staff had gone through.
Stroke of luck
Then came Reus – and he needed just 120 seconds to give his teammates and the fans a moment of happiness. Reus back heeled the ball into the net, setting up a 3-1 win for his side against Frankfurt and helping the club get back on track. At least on the pitch, the easiness and joy of being a footballer had returned.
BVB’s vice-captain did his best to lead his unsettled side a few days later in Monaco. It was a real test of Reus’ leadership skills during the most difficult period in the club’s history. Reus carried out his duties impeccably, whilst also putting in captain’s performances on the pitch.
Surely it’s only a matter of time before Reus gets his hands on a major trophy with Dortmund. He has come close on a number of occasions, but now he is “ready for big things”, as his coach Thomas Tuchel said before the semi-final victory over Bayern Munich. Tuchel could have been even more direct: Marco Reus is ready to win the Pokal.
