Borussia Dortmund has parted ways with head coach Nuri Sahin after their 2-1 loss to Bologna in the Champions League. The decision, confirmed on Wednesday by sporting CEO Lars Ricken, comes amid a string of poor performances, with the team suffering four consecutive defeats in all competitions. Dortmund, currently 10th in the Bundesliga and 20 points behind leaders Bayern Munich, cited a “loss of faith” in Sahin’s ability to achieve their goals.
Sahin, promoted to head coach after serving as assistant during last season’s Champions League run, expressed disappointment but acknowledged the club’s decision. “Unfortunately, I was not able to live up to Dortmund’s sporting ambitions at this point in time,” Sahin remarked. The 36-year-old former player had been part of Dortmund’s strategy of hiring ex-players in leadership roles.
German media has speculated on potential replacements, including Erik Ten Hag and Roger Schmidt, both of whom have attended Dortmund matches recently. In the interim, U19 coach Mike Tullberg will lead the team, starting with Saturday’s clash against Werder Bremen.
Under Sahin’s leadership, Dortmund struggled, especially in away games, with only four wins in 15 matches this season. The team was also eliminated in the German Cup by Wolfsburg, compounding their woes. Despite their challenges, Dortmund still hopes to progress in the Champions League.
Sahin’s managerial career began at Antalyaspor in Turkey, where he led the team to mixed results before joining Dortmund as assistant coach in 2023. His departure marks another chapter in the club’s turbulent managerial history, with eight head coaches since Jurgen Klopp’s exit in 2015.
