Dortmund’s surprise journey to the Champions League final last season, where they fell 2-0 to Real Madrid, showcased their potential on the European stage.
However, the success in Europe masked a disappointing domestic campaign that left them 27 points adrift of Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, finishing in fifth place.
Leverkusen’s remarkable triumph, achieved on a smaller budget, was particularly frustrating for Borussia Dortmund’s hierarchy and set the stage for an ambitious summer rebuild.
These changes aim to strengthen Dortmund’s quest for both domestic and European glory, while establishing themselves as serious contenders once more.
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The underperformance in the Bundesliga led the club’s management to make several bold moves over the summer. One of the most significant decisions was parting ways with head coach Edin Terzic.
Terzic, a Dortmund native and lifelong supporter, had guided the club to within a whisker of winning the Bundesliga title in 2023. However, his Champions League success wasn’t enough to save his job as the club’s domestic performance took precedence.
In his place, Nuri Sahin, a former Dortmund player who rose through the club’s youth ranks, was appointed head coach.
Sahin is tasked with instilling a new football philosophy that focuses on possession and attacking play, which already looks promising.
The departure of Terzic wasn’t the only major change. Several key players also left the club, including striker Niclas Fuellkrug, loanees Jadon Sancho and Ian Maatsen, as well as veterans Marco Reus and Mats Hummels.
These departures marked the end of an era for Dortmund, as they sought to bring fresh talent to the squad.
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The club responded by bringing in fresh, exciting players to fill the gaps left by these departures. One of the standout signings was Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy.
Guirassy impressed in the Bundesliga last season, scoring an astonishing 28 goals in 28 games for Stuttgart. His arrival was seen as a major coup for the club and signaled their intent to build a more dynamic and potent attack.
Another significant addition was Waldemar Anton, a German center-back who joined from Stuttgart, adding much-needed strength and depth to Dortmund’s defense.
Alongside Anton, German internationals Maximilian Beier and Pascal Gross also arrived, giving the squad a boost in versatility and creativity.
Guirassy’s arrival, however, led to the departure of fan-favorite Niclas Fuellkrug, who moved to Premier League side West Ham.
According to sporting director Sebastian Kehl, the transfer was a win-win situation, as Fuellkrug had been contemplating a new challenge, and Dortmund had the chance to integrate a new striker into their evolving squad.
The club’s rebuild wasn’t limited to the pitch. The club also made key appointments behind the scenes to ensure a solid leadership structure moving forward.
Former player Lars Ricken, who scored the winning goal in Dortmund’s 1997 Champions League final victory, was appointed head of the sporting department. Ricken’s deep understanding of the club and its culture made him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation.
Ricken now works closely with sporting director Sebastian Kehl, another Borussia legend, who played 362 games for the club and won three Bundesliga titles. Together, they form a leadership team that blends experience with ambition, aiming to replicate the success of their playing days.
One of the most intriguing moves of the summer was the return of long-time scout Sven Mislintat, who had previously identified some of Dortmund’s biggest stars.
His return signifies the club’s focus on smart recruitment and player development, which has been central to Dortmund’s identity in recent years.
On the pitch, Nuri Sahin’s tactical approach has already started to bear fruit. In contrast to Terzic’s preference for deep defending and counter-attacks, Sahin has implemented a more possession-based style, aiming to dominate games through control of the ball.
Dortmund’s 4-2 victory over Heidenheim in the Bundesliga highlighted this shift in philosophy, as the team showed greater fluidity and creativity in attack.
Dortmund’s summer overhaul has put them in a strong position as they begin their Champions League campaign.
Their first European test comes against Belgian champions Club Brugge. While Dortmund’s European ambitions are clear, they know that true success will be measured by their performances in the Bundesliga, where they must close the gap on rivals Leverkusen and Bayern Munich.
