Nuri Sahin sacked as Dortmund manager

Borussia Dortmund have parted ways with head coach Nuri Sahin following a 2-1 Champions League defeat to Bologna on Tuesday, marking their fourth consecutive loss across all competitions.

The club announced the decision on Wednesday, citing a loss of confidence in the 35-year-old manager’s ability to meet their sporting objectives.

Dortmund, who finished as runners-up in last season’s Champions League after a valiant run ended by Real Madrid, have struggled to replicate that form. They currently sit 10th in the Bundesliga, a staggering 20 points behind league leaders Bayern Munich.

Sahin, a former assistant to Edin Terzić during last season’s surprise European campaign, was promoted to head coach over the summer. However, results have faltered, particularly in away matches, where Dortmund have managed only four wins and suffered nine losses in 15 games this season. The team was also eliminated early from the German Cup in the round of 32 by Wolfsburg.

Sporting CEO Lars Ricken expressed regret over the decision, stating, “We have unfortunately lost faith that we can achieve our sporting goals under the current management. This decision hurts deeply, as we value Nuri Sahin and his work. We had hoped for a longer partnership and believed until the very end that a turnaround was possible.”

Sahin, visibly disappointed, took responsibility for the team’s struggles. “I was, unfortunately, unable to live up to Dortmund’s sporting ambitions at this time,” he said. “I wish this special club all the best.” After the loss in Bologna, Sahin told reporters, “If I am the problem, or if a change of coach solves the issues, then that’s no problem at all.”

The club has yet to appoint a successor, but German media have speculated on possible replacements, including former Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag, who has recently been spotted at Dortmund matches, and Roger Schmidt, who previously coached Benfica and Bayer Leverkusen.

Dortmund will host Werder Bremen on Saturday in their next Bundesliga match as they attempt to salvage what has been a challenging season.