Nuri Sahin's future as head coach of Borussia Dortmund hangs precariously after the team's continued dismal performances, culminating in their latest defeat to Bologna this past weekend. With four consecutive losses across all competitions, the increasing scrutiny on the young coach has led to uncertainty surrounding his position.
The Black and Yellow's downward spiral reached another low with the 1-2 loss against Bologna during the UEFA Champions League on January 21, 2025. This result, paired with earlier losses—including a 0-2 defeat at Eintracht Frankfurt—has left Borussia Dortmund as desperate for victories as they are lacking. Managing Director for Sport Lars Ricken expressed his disappointment post-match, acknowledging the desolate path the team is currently on. "My expectations after Frankfurt were clear. We need wins and results. We haven’t won the last four games. I have a good, trusting relationship with Nuri. He has my support too. But of course, my statements also stand," Ricken stated, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
It’s the type of pressure Sahin—a coach only recently entrusted with the team—must face. After achieving early promise at the helm, now he stands at the brink of losing his position. Against Bologna, the team started strong, with Serhou Guirassy converting a penalty kick to put Dortmund 1-0 up, yet the joy was short-lived. Just minutes after taking the lead, the team faltered defensively, culminating in two goals conceded to Bologna within just over 90 seconds. Thijs Dallinga equalized before Samuel Iling-Junior drove the final nail in the coffin with the winning goal.
Sahin's strategies have recently drawn both criticism and confusion, particularly his surprising decision to bench experienced players like Emre Can and Julian Brandt. Comments made prior to the match revealed his urgency: "Now we have to deliver. Now, others have to step up." Unfortunately for Sahin, the team’s performance did not reflect the urgency he called for.
Ricken, when pressed about Sahin's position, shied away from offering definitive answers. "So you are not going to get a decision from me here in Italy based on emotion and shot from the hip. We will go home tomorrow and sit down together in peace. We only want what is best for Borussia Dortmund and what the solutions are to get back on track," he stated. This sparking of speculation has left fans and analysts alike wondering whether this is the sign of the coach's impending dismissal.
Internal discussions are slated for after the team's return to Germany, as Ricken, along with other club leaders, weigh their options. Borussia Dortmund, currently sitting far from their aspirational goals, including the Champions League knockout stages, is caught between the potential of Sahin's vision for the future and the need for immediate results.
Support for Sahin has come from various quarters, though. Matthias Sammer, the former player and current advisor, suggested the importance of making considered decisions, stating, "It’s wise to sleep on it before making any decision." Not rushing to judgement appears wise; getting rid of their coach with the team on the brink of ensuring qualification for the next round of the Champions League could backfire.
Sahin himself acknowledged his accountability post-match, stating, "It’s about this club finally finding peace, becoming successful again. It’s not about me. I know how the business works. The most important thing is Borussia Dortmund's success." One can hear the desperation behind his words—it’s no longer just about managing players on the pitch; it’s about ensuring the club resets itself back to winning ways.
With Borussia Dortmund’s next Bundesliga match against Werder Bremen looming, fans and officials will continue to speculate on Sahin’s future. The decision to retain him as coach may rest not just with performance, but with whom the club thinks can bring back stability. A victory next weekend could re galvanize both team morale and management confidence. Otherwise, it might just lead to the end of Sahin’s brief tenure at the helm.
This period marks the most tumultuous phase for Borussia Dortmund this season. Failure to win next match would not only intensify scrutiny on Sahin but also suggest widespread problems within the squad. With the pressure mounting and key decisions looming, the stakes couldn't be higher for Nuri Sahin and Borussia Dortmund.