Borussia Dortmund have officially parted ways with head coach Nuri Sahin after a turbulent start to 2025, highlighted by a 2-1 defeat to Bologna in the Champions League. The loss marked Dortmund’s fourth consecutive defeat across all competitions since the winter break, intensifying concerns over their form in both domestic and European competitions.
The defeat was Dortmund’s third in the Champions League group stage, leaving last season’s runners-up in a precarious position. They now must defeat Shakhtar Donetsk in their final group game to secure automatic qualification for the knockout phase. Domestically, Dortmund have struggled equally, suffering three straight Bundesliga losses and sliding to 10th place, seven points adrift of the top four, putting next season’s Champions League qualification at serious risk.
Sporting director Lars Ricken expressed his regret at the decision, saying, “We value Nuri Sahin and the work he has done. We had hoped for a long-term partnership and believed in a turnaround until the very end. This decision is painful for me personally, but after the Bologna game, it was unavoidable.”
Sahin, 36, who had two playing stints at Dortmund before taking over as coach in June 2024, succeeded Edin Terzic following the club’s Champions League final loss to Real Madrid. He accepted the club’s decision gracefully, stating, “Unfortunately, we couldn’t meet Borussia Dortmund’s sporting ambitions this season. I wish this special club all the best.”
Under Sahin’s tenure, Dortmund struggled to replicate the success of previous seasons, and the club now faces a critical period as it looks to stabilize its domestic form and revive its European campaign.
