Borussia Dortmund: Managerial Changes and Club Development .
A Season of Transitions: Leadership Overhaul at Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund, one of Germany’s most iconic football clubs, has undergone significant changes in leadership, both on and off the pitch, over the past year. From parting ways with Edin Terzić after leading the club to the UEFA Champions League final to the short-lived tenure of Nuri Şahin, the club is now on the hunt for another manager to stabilize and push forward its ambitions. In addition to managerial changes, Dortmund is also navigating key player transitions, squad rebuilding, and strategic shifts to remain competitive in the Bundesliga and Europe.
End of the Terzić Era: From UCL Finalist to Departure
Edin Terzić’s second spell as Borussia Dortmund’s manager was a rollercoaster of emotions. After guiding the team to the 2024 UEFA Champions League final against Real Madrid, Terzić appeared to have secured his place as Dortmund’s long-term leader. The club’s journey to the final was filled with iconic moments, including victories over Atlético Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. However, despite a strong European campaign, Dortmund’s domestic struggles in the Bundesliga put immense pressure on Terzić’s position.
Despite finishing in the top five, Dortmund’s inconsistent league form, combined with internal tensions within the squad, ultimately led to his departure in June 2024. Reports surfaced of a heated confrontation between Terzić and club legend Mats Hummels before the Champions League final, adding to the speculation of discord behind the scenes.
Nuri Şahin’s Short-Lived Reign
Following Terzić’s exit, Nuri Şahin was appointed as his successor. The former Dortmund midfielder, who had been working as an assistant coach, was seen as a natural choice to bring continuity and fresh tactical ideas to the team. However, his tenure was short-lived, lasting only a few months before he was sacked in January 2025 following a poor run of results.
Under Şahin, Dortmund struggled to maintain consistency, with disappointing Bundesliga performances leading to a drop in the league standings. Fans and analysts questioned his tactical flexibility and ability to manage a squad undergoing significant changes, including the departures of Marco Reus and Mats Hummels.
Who’s Next? Dortmund’s Managerial Search
With Şahin’s departure, Borussia Dortmund are now actively searching for a new head coach. Reports suggest that the club has held secret meetings with Austrian national team coach Ralph Rangnick, who is widely respected for his tactical acumen and squad-building expertise.
Other names linked with the job include:
Sebastian Hoeneß (currently managing VfB Stuttgart)
Oliver Glasner (former Eintracht Frankfurt and Wolfsburg manager)
Julian Nagelsmann, although he remains committed to the German national team ahead of Euro 2024
The club’s decision will likely focus on finding a manager who can balance Dortmund’s high-energy, attacking football philosophy with tactical discipline, something the team has lacked in high-pressure matches.
Squad Development: Rebuilding for the Future
Dortmund’s squad is also undergoing a period of transition, with key players leaving and new talents being brought in.
Departures of Club Legends
2024 marked the farewell of Marco Reus and Mats Hummels, two players who defined an era for Borussia Dortmund. Reus, after 12 years with the club, decided not to extend his contract, marking the end of an incredible journey in Black and Yellow. Hummels, who returned to the club after his stint with Bayern Munich, also announced his exit, leaving a gap in leadership and experience within the squad.
New Signings and Transfer Targets
To compensate for these departures, Dortmund has been active in the transfer market. Some of the club’s rumored targets include:
Johan Bakayoko (PSV Eindhoven) – A talented winger who could add attacking depth
Enzo Millot (Stuttgart) – A dynamic midfielder linked with a move to Dortmund
Jobe Bellingham (Sunderland) – The younger brother of Jude Bellingham, seen as a potential future star
Additionally, Dortmund has been linked to Christopher Nkunku from Chelsea, potentially on a loan deal, as well as a swap deal involving Karim Adeyemi and Barcelona.
Challenges Ahead: Aiming for Stability and Success
Dortmund’s biggest challenge now is achieving stability under a new manager while maintaining competitiveness in both domestic and European competitions.
Bundesliga Struggles
Despite their Champions League success last season, Dortmund’s Bundesliga form has been inconsistent. While the team has managed key victories—such as a 4-0 win over Freiburg—they have also suffered setbacks, including a 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich and a 3-1 loss to Mainz.
To compete with Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, and RB Leipzig, Dortmund must find a manager who can implement a clear tactical identity while maintaining the club’s tradition of developing young talents.
Champions League Aspirations
After narrowly missing out on their second European title, Dortmund is eager to make another deep run in the Champions League. However, much will depend on their squad’s ability to adapt to new tactical systems and how quickly the new manager can stabilize the team.
Conclusion: A New Era Beckons
Borussia Dortmund’s 2024-25 season is shaping up to be a pivotal one in the club’s history. With managerial uncertainty, squad transitions, and intensified competition in the Bundesliga, the coming months will define the club’s long-term future.
The appointment of a new head coach will be crucial in shaping Dortmund’s tactical approach and ambitions. While the club has the talent and resources to remain a force in European football, success will depend on finding the right leadership to guide the team through this transitional phase.
As fans eagerly await news of the next manager, one thing is certain: Borussia Dortmund remains one of the most exciting clubs in world football, and their journey ahead p
romises to be full of drama, ambition, and relentless pursuit of success.
