Borussia Dortmund’s Nuri Sahin Faces Uncertain Future After Champions League Setback
In the world of football, where the stakes are high and the pressure is relentless, Borussia Dortmund’s coach, Nuri Sahin, finds himself at a crossroads. Following a surprising 2-1 defeat to Bologna in the Champions League, Sahin is grappling with the reality of a four-game losing streak across all competitions. This latest setback has left fans and pundits alike questioning the future of the former Dortmund ball boy turned head coach.
Despite the mounting pressure, Sahin remains resolute in his belief that he still has the trust of his players. However, he acknowledges the need for a candid discussion with the club’s management. “This is not about me. If I am the problem, if a coach change would solve all problems, so be it. We have to deliver and the fact is we have now lost four matches in a row,” Sahin stated. His words reflect a deep commitment to the club, emphasizing that the focus should be on Borussia Dortmund’s success rather than his personal situation.
Sahin’s tenure as head coach began this season, but it has been anything but smooth sailing. The team has struggled in the Bundesliga, losing all three of their matches in 2025. The recent loss to Bologna only compounded the challenges, as Dortmund dropped to 13th place in the league phase of the competition, with just one match remaining. The top eight teams automatically advance to the round of 16, while the next 16 face playoffs, making every point crucial.
Reflecting on the game, Sahin explained, “The plan was definitely not to play passively.” His team had a strong first half, taking the lead, but faltered in the second half, allowing Bologna to score two goals in quick succession. This marked Bologna’s first-ever victory in the Champions League, a bitter pill for Dortmund to swallow.
When asked about his communication with Dortmund’s managing director, Lars Ricken, Sahin replied, “No, I think today or tomorrow we will sit down. The game is too fresh. It is clear we have to win games but now have lost four in a row. We will see.” Ricken, on his part, expressed the urgency of the situation, stating, “We need wins. We need results. Now we’ve won once in nine games.” While he maintained a supportive stance towards Sahin, he stopped short of confirming the club’s continued faith in the coach.
Sahin’s journey with Dortmund is a storied one. He began as a ball boy before making history as the youngest player to debut in the Bundesliga at the age of 16. Last season, he served as assistant coach to Edin Terzić, guiding the team to the Champions League final, where they fell to Real Madrid. His promotion to head coach came after Terzić’s departure, but the transition has been fraught with challenges.
Despite the current struggles, Sahin remains confident in the support of his players. “I would not stay a second longer if the team did not trust me,” he asserted. His dedication to the club and his players is unwavering, even in the face of adversity.
- Key Points:
- Dortmund’s losing streak extends to four games across all competitions.
- Sahin emphasizes the importance of the club’s success over personal concerns.
- The team is currently 13th in the Champions League league phase.
- Management discussions are expected to take place soon.
- Sahin’s history with Dortmund adds a personal dimension to the situation.
As the football world watches closely, the coming days will be crucial for Nuri Sahin and Borussia Dortmund. The outcome of the discussions with management could shape the future of the club and its coach. For now, fans can only hope for a turnaround that will restore Dortmund to its former glory.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
