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Borussia Dortmund have parted ways with head coach Nuri Sahin after a disappointing run of form, culminating in Tuesday's 2-1 Champions League defeat to Bologna. The club, currently 13th in the Champions League standings and 10th in the Bundesliga, has struggled to find its rhythm this season, falling far behind leaders Bayern Munich by a staggering 20 points.
Sahin, a former Dortmund player with over 250 appearances across two stints, was appointed head coach last summer after serving as an assistant to Edin Terzic. His tenure, however, failed to deliver the desired results. The defeat in Bologna marked Dortmund's fourth consecutive loss and extended a dismal stretch with just one win in their past nine games.
“Unfortunately, we have not managed to live up to Borussia Dortmund’s sporting ambitions this season,” Sahin said in a statement released by the club. “I wish this special club all the best.”
Dortmund’s sporting director, Lars Ricken, expressed his disappointment over the decision, noting the team’s lack of progress under Sahin. “This decision hurts me personally, but it was unavoidable after the game in Bologna,” Ricken stated.
The Champions League loss in Italy was emblematic of Dortmund’s struggles this season. Despite taking an early lead, they conceded two quick second-half goals, leaving their qualification hopes hanging by a thread. Domestically, the situation has been equally grim, with the team languishing in mid-table and falling seven points short of the Bundesliga’s top four.
Sahin’s appointment was initially seen as a fresh start for the club following Terzic’s departure. The 36-year-old brought experience as both a former player and as the head coach of Turkish side Antalyaspor. However, his vision of a dominant, possession-based playing style failed to materialize, and the team often looked disorganized and vulnerable, especially against counter-attacks.
The pressure on Sahin mounted as Dortmund’s defensive frailties and inability to create meaningful chances became increasingly evident. Despite high expectations, key players like Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Felix Nmecha struggled to perform consistently, leaving the squad looking mentally and physically fatigued.
This managerial change marks Dortmund’s sixth since 2018, highlighting the instability within the club. While the decision-makers acknowledge the need for a broader rebuild, the immediate priority is finding a coach who can stabilize the team and salvage what’s left of the season.
Dortmund’s next test comes on Saturday when they face Werder Bremen at the Westfalenstadion. With the team sitting just one point and place behind Bremen in the Bundesliga standings, the match offers a crucial opportunity to regain some momentum.
As Dortmund begin their search for a new head coach, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the club can turn their fortunes around and re-establish themselves as a force in European football.
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay / holly2801, Unsplash / Hannes Kocholl
