Borussia Dortmund has parted ways with head coach Nuri Sahin after a string of poor performances, including a 2-1 defeat to Bologna in the Champions League.
The decision comes amid a four-game losing streak across all competitions since the winter break, leaving the German side in a precarious position domestically and in Europe.
Disappointing Season and Champions League Hurdles
Dortmund’s latest defeat against Bologna marked their third loss in this season’s Champions League group stage. Last year’s finalists now face an uphill battle to secure a place in the last 16. To qualify, Dortmund must defeat Shakhtar Donetsk in their final group game and hope for favorable results in other matches.
Domestically, the club’s fortunes have also plummeted. Dortmund began 2025 with three consecutive Bundesliga defeats, dropping them to 10th place in the league. They are currently seven points outside the top four, putting their Champions League qualification for next season in serious jeopardy.
Nuri Sahin’s Departure
Sahin, 36, who had a long-standing association with Dortmund as a player, took over as head coach in June 2024 following Edin Terzic’s departure. Sahin had previously served as an assistant coach to Terzic and was seen as a promising figure to lead Dortmund into a new era. However, his tenure was short-lived, with sporting director Lars Ricken citing the recent poor results as the primary reason for his dismissal.
“We value Nuri Sahin and his work very much. We hoped for a long-term collaboration and until the end, we had hoped we could achieve a sporting turnaround together,” Ricken said. “This decision hurts me personally, but it was unavoidable after the game in Bologna.”
Reflecting on his departure, Sahin expressed regret over the team’s inability to meet expectations. “Unfortunately, we have not managed to live up to Borussia Dortmund’s sporting ambitions this season,” Sahin said. “I wish this special club all the best.”
Analysis: A Season of Challenges
German football expert Constantin Eckner highlighted Dortmund’s struggles under Sahin’s leadership. He pointed out that Sahin was brought in to redefine Dortmund’s playing style, transitioning from the underdog approach employed by Terzic to a more dominant and sophisticated possession-based system.
However, Sahin’s relative inexperience as a head coach—his only prior role being at Antalyaspor in Turkey—proved to be a stumbling block. Early in the season, he abandoned his initial tactical vision and reverted to a more basic style of play, which failed to yield results.
“Dortmund had loads of possession in many league games but rarely created meaningful chances against tightly defending teams,” Eckner noted.
After the Bundesliga’s winter break, the team’s form deteriorated further. Dortmund’s attacking approach left them vulnerable to counter-attacks, and their defensive frailties were repeatedly exposed. Tuesday’s defeat to Bologna underscored their inability to control games, a weakness both mental and physical, as observed by club advisor Matthias Sammer.
A Difficult Road Ahead
Sahin’s departure marks the sixth managerial change for Dortmund since 2018, reflecting the club’s ongoing instability. While management recognizes that player performance is a key issue, a change in leadership was deemed necessary to try and salvage the season.
Among the current squad, few players have stood out this season. English winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and midfielder Felix Nmecha have shown promise, but the team as a whole has struggled to find consistency.
The Path Forward
Dortmund now faces a critical period as they search for Sahin’s successor. The new head coach will inherit a squad with both talent and significant challenges, including a demoralized dressing room and a demanding fanbase eager for improvement.
The immediate goal will be to reignite the team’s Champions League campaign and secure a top-four finish in the Bundesliga. With high stakes and limited time, the next chapter in Dortmund’s journey promises to be a defining one.