Champions League glory cannot cover up Terzic and Dortmund scandal

After two years in charge at Borussia Dortmund, Edin Terzic almost won the 2022-2023 Bundesliga title and most recently reached the Champions League final. Previously, as an interim coach in 2021, he helped the Ruhr team win the German National Cup. However, the 41-year-old strategist still decided to resign.

These achievements seem to be only superficial. In reality, the Signal Iduna Park side under Terzic often lacked pace, had no sense of purpose and struggled defensively. They lacked cohesion, which was the opposite of the technical standards the club wanted. Dortmund always saw themselves as challengers. But apart from a few bright moments in the Champions League, their performances did not reflect that.

Edin Terzic led Dortmund through 96 matches over two seasons. Photo: AFP

In the Champions League, Dortmund defended and played with the spirit that the club is known for, in stark contrast to their Bundesliga performances. Wins against Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United have been Borussia Dortmund's most impressive displays in recent years.

However, Dortmund’s Bundesliga season this year has been a huge disappointment. The “Black and Yellow” team had a bigger financial advantage than any Bundesliga team except Bayern Munich, with the second-largest wage bill but only finished in fifth place overall.

Terzic has often been criticised for only being effective when he has a talented squad. Dortmund have been in a slump since the departure of their star player of last season, Jude Bellingham. The Ruhr club have also had their fair share of off-field problems.

In particular, the relationship between Edin Terzic and Sebastian Kehl (Dortmund's sporting director) has been the subject of the most attention. One of Kehl's assistants, Slaven Stanic, left the club in December 2023 after just six months in the job. Dortmund's board of directors denied rumors of discord between Stanic and Terzic and insisted that the separation was "amicable". However, Stanic stated that he could not carry out his role because "integrity, respect and trust are precious values".

In fact, Terzic was almost out of a job in December 2023. The Dortmund board then opted to keep him. However, to address the sluggish attack and poor defense, the top brass restructured the coaching staff. Dortmund appointed Nuri Sahin and Sven Bender, each in charge of a part of the team (Sahin with attack and Bender with defense). Both men moved to the top of the coaching staff, with Terzic taking on a general supervisory role during training sessions.

Following the departure of Edin Terzic, Dortmund appointed Nuri Sahin as the new coach. Photo: AFP

The results were better than before. Proof of this is that Dortmund's form has improved a lot after the winter break. The Signal Iduna Park team is unbeaten in 7 consecutive Bundesliga matches (4 wins and 3 draws). However, Dortmund's playing style has not been able to convince the fans and the team's management. This continues to erode Terzic's power. There have even been conflicts within the club.

Marco Reus has expressed his dissatisfaction with Edin Terzic's selections and style, while centre-back Mats Hummels has also criticised the German tactician ahead of the Champions League final. Hummels praised the performance of Sahin and Bender, highlighting the improvement since their arrival. However, the 35-year-old centre-back insists Dortmund's style of play is not suitable for the club and the players.

Terzic was reportedly furious with Hummels' comments. According to German media, the two men were forced to reconcile ahead of the final, but have confirmed to each other that one of them will leave at the end of the season.

Hummels was part of the reason Terzic resigned. Photo: AFP

Perhaps the parting of the ways between Dortmund and Edin Terzic is not a surprise. Although the job at Signal Iduna Park is very important to the German coach, Terzic cannot continue to hide the difficulties. Therefore, this farewell is a relief for both parties.

Source: https://laodong.vn/bong-da-quoc-te/hao-quang-champions-league-khong-the-che-day-scandal-cua-terzic-va-dortmund-1353806.ldo