Right now, there are exactly two clubs which represent sideward steps compared to Bayern Munich: Barcelona and Real. Every other club is a backward step. Now it depends how big this backward step would be. The two Manchester clubs, Juventus and Atletico Madrid had no real interest. This means that all clubs, which are currently above Dortmund in the pecking order were out of the picture.
This should also put this dick measuring contest in the last posts to rest. Of course Borussia Dortmund is a big club,the second biggest in Germany. We are not part of the absolute elite or filthy rich, though, which is why star players leave the club for them from time to time.
I also don´t get this lack of ambition argument in terms of Götze. We are the biggest interested club and most likely his best shot of reviving his playing career, but also at least short term the most uncomfortable destination for him. He will have to take a hefty pay cut, face the consequences of his past transfer and has to win over a sizeable portion of the crowd with performances. How is this less ambitious than going abroad and making a fresh start at a worse club for more money?
Based on what exactly? Their last season performances and "strong" record in the transfer market? We might not challenge this season for the league title because we clearly follow a longer term plan with all the talent we brought in and are in general dependent on Bayern slipping up here and there, but the stars have to really allign for Klopp´s Liverpool to win the EPL ahead of Guardiola´s City, Mourinho´s United or Conte´s Chelsea. The differences in squad strength are vast and in difference to Dortmund they don´t have to overcome one club but half a dozen.
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