Fans Erupt Over Dortmund's Niklas Sule 'Out of Shape' Ahead of Champions League Final

• Niklas Sule’s fitness has come under scrutiny just before the Champions League final
• Former coaches and fans have voiced concerns over his weight and dietary habits
• The German's form raises doubts about his readiness for the match vs Real Madrid

With just over two weeks remaining until Borussia Dortmund faces Real Madrid in the Champions League final, a recent photo of Niklas Sule has sparked concern among fans regarding his fitness.

The image, which shows Sule appearing overweight, has ignited a flurry of reactions on social media, questioning his readiness for the pivotal match at Wembley Stadium.

The German, remembered for his crucial clearance against Kylian Mbappe during the Champions League group stages, has seen a notable decline in his playing time this season.

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Despite his significant contribution to the club's title chase last year, he has been largely overshadowed by veteran Mats Hummels and has played fewer minutes than his fellow defender, Nico Schlotterbeck.

Sule, once considered for the captaincy, now finds his form and discipline under scrutiny.

The photo circulating online has led to a mix of reactions from fans. Some humorously predicted a standout performance from the centre-back against Real Madrid. Some, however, have slammed the player.

Historically, Sule has maintained a strong physical presence throughout his career with Hoffenheim, Bayern Munich, and Dortmund.

His resume includes 49 international caps for Germany. However, his physical condition has declined this season, with some attributing it to poor off-field discipline.

Former German coach, Markus Babbel, has been particularly critical, citing Sule’s alleged dietary habits.

"Sule is good, but just not very good. I think he has problems with having the discipline to do everything properly. When you carry three or four kilos more with you, you notice it at this level. There was also the topic of eating pizza six times a week and kebab eight times. That doesn't work," Babbel told Sport1, as quoted by Goal.

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According to FoxSports, Sule’s fitness has been a recurring topic throughout his career, particularly during his time at Bayern Munich, where his weight sometimes led to exclusion from the national team. Even during his transfer negotiations to Dortmund, Sule’s eating habits were discussed. His agent disclosed that during contract talks in January 2022, Dortmund officials raised concerns about his diet.

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Terzic's men defied all the odds to reach the final by beating Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-final.

Not many people had primed them to reach the latter stages of the competition after they were drawn into the proverbial 'Group of Death' alongside PSG, Newcastle United and AC Milan.