Borussia Dortmund is sinking fast following another disappointing defeat, this time against Eintracht Frankfurt, and the pressure surrounding head coach Nuri Sahin is mounting significantly. With the team losing its last three Bundesliga matches, each loss weighs heavily on Sahin's future as the season progresses.
Most recently, on January 19, 2025, Dortmund fell 2-0 to Frankfurt at their home ground, marking yet another setback for the burgeoning manager. This follows stinging losses to both Bayer Leverkusen and Holstein Kiel earlier this month, leaving the team clinging to the 10th position on the Bundesliga table with only 25 points.
Frankfurt opened the scoring early, much to the chagrin of the traveling Dortmund fans. Hugo Ekitiké netted the first goal just 18 minutes in, after receiving a deft pass from Rasmus Kristensen. The second goal arrived during stoppage time, courtesy of Oscar Höjlund, sealing the game for the home side. Despite Dortmund controlling possession with 67.8% and completing more than double the passes of their hosts, their attack remained blunt, failing to score.
Captain Emre Can expressed the frustration felt around the club, stating, "It's not good enough. We playedbetter in the second half, but none ofthat matters, we've got to win. The table doesn't lie." His remarks reflect the growing anxiety among players and fans alike over the team's downward spiral.
Following this latest defeat, sporting director Sebastian Kehl reiterated the club's support for Sahin, stating, "We will stay with how things are, Nuri has our backing". Kehl's comments may provide temporary solace, but the looming shadow of criticism suggests Sahin's position is precarious. The former Turkish international and assistant coach took over from Edin Terzic last summer, with hopes high of reviving Dortmund's fortunes. But mounting losses have led to speculation about whether Sahin is the right man for the job.
Dortmund's performance has been particularly concerning; they have not scored in their last two league outings. Sahin acknowledged the growing pressure, stating via DAZN, "What counts are the results. I don’t need confirmation every three days to know I am still here. I know how this business works." His frank acknowledgment reflects his awareness of the stakes involved.
The situation exacerbates as Dortmund prepares for its next challenge—an away match against FC Bologna on January 21, 2025, which bears significant weight for the club's European campaign, before they return to league action against Werder Bremen on January 25. With Sahin at the helm, the matches will be imperative as Dortmund seeks to reverse its fortunes.
The team's struggles have raised eyebrows and sparked discussions over potential replacements should the situation continue to deteriorate. Rumors of managerial candidates have started surfacing, weighing heavily on Sahin's shoulders. Notably, Dortmund's away form this season has plagued their aspirations, with just five points accumulated, demonstrating their inability to secure wins outside of their home ground.
Strategically, several factors have contributed to Dortmund's decline, including injuries to key players and tactical missteps. The baffling absence of accurate finishing has often left fans bewildered, particularly when noting key penalty appeals throughout the recent matches, with many fans feeling robbed by the officials' decisions.
This season has not only unearthed worries about current performances but has rekindled discussions around the club's identity. The harsh reality staring Dortmund supporters is the prospect of missing out on European competitions, something the club cannot afford. Sahin himself, having enjoyed success as both player and assistant coach, now faces harsh scrutiny.
A pivotal moment lies just around the corner, as the club's fortunes ride on their capacity to transform criticism and doubt of the fans and media alike during upcoming fixtures. The pressure for immediate results weighs heavy not only on Sahin, but the entire Dortmund squad. Will they rise to the occasion, or will they sink even lower? Only time will tell, but for the sake of all involved, it is imperative Dortmund finds its way back to winning form soon.