Borussia Dortmund have announced a swift managerial change, appointing former player Nuri Sahin as their new head coach. Sahin takes over from Edin Terzic, who stepped down on Thursday after guiding the club to the Champions League final last season.
The 35-year-old Sahin’s transition from Terzic’s assistant to head coach comes as little surprise, with the club acting quickly to fill the vacated position. Sahin has signed a contract that runs until the summer of 2027, marking his second senior managerial role.
From Player to Coach: A Natural Progression
Sahin’s appointment signifies a new chapter for Dortmund, with the club opting for a youthful leader with deep ties to the organization.
He previously ended his playing career mid-season at Turkish club Antalyaspor in 2023 to take over as their head coach. After a successful stint there, he returned to Dortmund as Terzic’s assistant coach in late 2023.
Dortmund Sporting Director Lars Ricken expressed his confidence in Sahin, stating, “We are very pleased to hand over responsibility to a representative of the younger generation in Nuri Sahin. He has been preparing for a coaching career for years and will take on his new role with dedication.”
Ricken further emphasized Sahin’s deep understanding of the club’s culture and players, highlighting his experience as both a player and assistant coach. “Nuri knows the club, its employees and the BVB DNA,” Ricken explained.
Building on Success
Both Dortmund sporting directors, Sebastian Kehl and Lars Ricken, expressed their unwavering support for Sahin. Kehl noted Sahin’s contributions to the team’s success last season while emphasizing his ability to connect with the players.
“Nuri Sahin helped lead our team to the Champions League final last season,” Kehl said. “He knows what it takes to be successful at BVB. Thanks to his authority and expertise, he has a great connection with the team and understands what we need to work on together.”
Sahin himself echoed the sentiment of building upon the club’s recent achievements. “I’m really looking forward to my role at BVB,” he said. “From day one, we will do everything with a lot of energy and passion to achieve the maximum possible success.”
Dortmund fans will be eager to see how Sahin adapts to his new role and whether he can maintain the momentum the club achieved under Terzic’s leadership.
