Borussia Dortmund sit alone at the top of the Bundesliga for the first time since May 2023, and the mood around the club reflects a team that has rediscovered its identity. A hard-fought 1-0 win at Stuttgart, sealed by Maximilian Beier's 70th-minute finish, made it four wins from four to start the season. Only the fourth time in the club's Bundesliga history they have won their opening four matches, it is a result that puts real weight behind the optimism building at Signal Iduna Park.

Much of that optimism is rooted in the squad Niko Kovac has assembled. Captain Nico Schlotterbeck, returning from an 84-day injury absence, has spoken glowingly about the new arrivals, singling out centre-back partner Joane Gadou as "highest class." Fabio Silva has added further firepower, scoring four goals in six appearances since the season began. The defensive record is equally impressive, with Dortmund conceding just twice across four matches, a platform built significantly on Waldemar Anton's consistency at the back.

The länderspielpause now gives Kovac time to regroup, though not without some disruption. Twenty players have departed on international duty, while Beier and Marcel Sabitzer remain in Dortmund, the former left frustrated after Bundestrainer Jürgen Klopp left him out of the Germany squad. Teenager Mathis Albert is also attracting attention from France and the United States, raising questions about his international future.

When domestic football resumes, Dortmund host Werder Bremen at Signal Iduna Park on 10 October, carrying the momentum of a side that currently looks like a genuine title contender.