German Soccer League - The end of a model marriage: Coach Terzic departs from BVB
The partnership between Borussia Dortmund and Edin Terzic has reached its conclusion, and it looks like Mats Hummels is also on his way out. With a somber expression, coach Terzic exited the training facility of the Champions League finalist prematurely through the back entryway as club officials talked about the prior season. According to a statement, the Bundesliga club agreed to terminate Terzic's contract based on his request.
Nuri Sahin, a former co-trainer, is said to be in the running to replace Terzic. According to the "Bild" newspaper, only minor details remain to be addressed. However, it seems Hummels' time at Dortmund is done, as he won't be offered a new contract. The 2014 World Cup winner won't be renewing his affiliation with BVB.
Terzic stated about his choice, "After our game in Wembley, I requested a meeting with the accountable people because I believe the next phase should have a different voice on the sidelines." He added, "This decision genuinely hurts me."
Recognition from Watzke
The team made it to the Champions League final against Real Madrid (0:2) but it did not mend the cracks that emerged over the past months. The frustration about being undervalued could have strengthened Terzic's resolve. Despite his team qualifying for the European Championships League as a result of a special regulation, the team lost a lot of favor. Club president Hans-Joachim Watzke still expressed respect for Terzic's contributions, "Edin Terzic has done remarkable work for Borussia Dortmund during his time. We owe him enormous gratitude."
During the beginning of the previous season, Watzke revealed he intended to work with Terzic for the upcoming years. However, tensions between the club and coach increased after the Bundesliga's summit loss to Bayern (0:4) and the loss to Stuttgart (1:2). Several media outlets noted the discord between Hummels and Terzic as a developing situation. Hummels criticized his coach's tactics in an interview with "Sport Bild" after the loss to Stuttgart, whereas Terzic expressed annoyance over Hummels' red card during the game against RB Leipzig. It was relayed that Hummels would leave Dortmund if Terzic continued as coach. Now both seem to be done with the club.
A potential candidate ready to step in?
At the Elephant Round before the winter break, Terzic's position was still supported despite the Weak performances from his team. Many saw the appointment of two former BVB players, Nuri Sahin and Sven Bender, as assistants for the league restart as a safeguard for the leadership in the event of a sporting crisis.
This strategy may now come into play. So, Sahin has been pegged to succeed Terzic. Sahin's representative Reza Fazeli has already reportedly been at the office. Like his predecessor, Sahin hails from the Dortmund area. In addition, he has a unique relationship with the Revierclub, having played over 200 games in the black and yellow kit. Sahin's first professional coach experience came from 2021 to 2023 at the top-tier Turkish team Antalyaspor.
Sahin is highly coveted. The team only failed to fully harness their immense potential in the elite European class, where Dortmund and various other clubs advanced to the knockout phase. The Revierclub hopes a transfer spree this summer will help them regain a foothold in the German League.
"Authentic Borussia"
Initially, Terzic served as interim coach after Lucien Favre's departure three years ago, leading Dortmund to the cup victory in 2021, and later on returning to his position as head coach following the separation of Rose. The popular coach from nearby Menden, a long-time BVB fan, enjoyed the backing of Watzke who encouraged him in a similar sporting situation at the end of 2023. At that time, Dortmund had only moved into the winter break as sixth in the table, but they had the chance of becoming German champions. However, they failed to secure a home victory against Mainz 05. This missed opportunity apparently still weighs on him.
"Edin is wholeheartedly Borussia; he's an authentic individual who has always given his all to Dortmund. I know we'll meet again. Edin will go his own way," stated sporting director Sebastian Kehl.
Read also:
- The Ruhr News reported that Borussia Dortmund is considering Nuri Sahin for the coaching position left vacant by Edin Terzic.
- Terzic's departure from Borussia Dortmund has been attributed to his request for a change in coaching voice, as reported in the Bild newspaper.
- Mats Hummels, a key player for Dortmund, might also be leaving the club as he won't be offered a new contract, according to sources.
- Terzic expressed his disappointment with the decision, stating that it genuinely hurts him after leading Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League final against Real Madrid.
- Club president Hans-Joachim Watzke recognized Terzic's significant contributions to Borussia Dortmund, thanking him for his work in the Bundesliga.
- Nuri Sahin, a former co-trainer and local Dortmund figure, is seen as a potential replacement for Terzic, given his coaching experience with Antalyaspor.
- The turmoil between Terzic and Hummels, culminating in critical remarks and ultimately leading to separated ways, has left a noticeable impact on Borussia Dortmund's internal dynamics.
- Borussia Dortmund finished as a Champions League finalist despite the club's internal issues, showing a resilience in the face of frustration and underappreciation.
- Hummels' departure from Borussia Dortmund would mark the end of an era for the club, as the 2014 World Cup winner leaves the club where he played over 200 games.
- Terzic's tenure at Borussia Dortmund, from his interim coaching role to head coach, will forever be a significant chapter in the club's soccer history in North Rhine-Westphalia.
