“If we want to replace Bayern Munich, then the whole league is required”
Edin Terzic and Sebastian Kehl (right) observe BVB training. When signing new players, the main focus was on the mentality
Quelle: Borussia Dortmund/Getty Images/Alexandre Simoes
With a new coach and interesting commitments, Borussia Dortmund wants to redefine the role of Bayern hunter. However, sports director Sebastian Kehl also takes responsibility for the competition.
Dhe locations are more than familiar to Sebastian Kehl – only this time the responsibility that weighs on him is significantly greater than in previous years. Borussia Dortmund is already completing the summer training camp in Bad Ragaz for the twelfth time.
The first time Kehl was there as a midfielder and captain of BVB. After ending his career in 2015, he took a break before returning to BVB in the summer of 2018 as head of the licensed player department – and thus becoming an integral part of the Bad Ragaz travel group every summer.
“When I’m spoken to here as sports director, I sometimes look around me,” said the 42-year-old, who has been the official successor to Michael Zorc since July 1, the longest-serving manager in the Bundesliga. Apart from that, not so many things have changed, after all, he has also had a long time.
Seven additions to BVB
Kehl seems relaxed at the moment, which may also have something to do with the fact that he has already completed an important part of his tasks. The BVB squad is largely in place. Dortmund have made seven commitments and the names of a few new professionals are making the fans look forward to the coming season: Central defenders Niklas Süle (26) and Nico Schlotterbeck (22) are two current German internationals. With Karim Adeyemi (20) and Salih Öczan (24) two promising talents and with Sébastien Haller (29) a new goalscorer. In addition, there are several highly sought-after players from their own offspring.
BVB’s hopes rest on striker Sebastien Haller
Source: dpa/David Indian song
“We have an exciting squad that will be very competitive in one position or another,” said Kehl. The first impressions of the training sessions in the Swiss thermal resort, where the new coach Edin Terzic has all the professionals together for the first time, are particularly promising. The duels are intense. “As long as nobody gets hurt, that’s part of it,” Kehl explained: “It shows that there’s fire in it and everyone is fighting for their chance. That’s what I like to see.”
The new dynamic is desired. Mentality – or the mentality that wasn’t sufficiently evident last season – is Kehl’s primary theme. Therefore, special attention was paid to character traits in the commitments. “That was already part of the contract talks,” said the sports director: “It was important for us to get a feeling: How do the boys think? What do you feel? How do you deal with difficult situations?” Because even if it is still unclear which formation Terzic wants the team to play with, there should be no more giving up and giving up in the future. “And as far as that goes, we have a very good feeling about the newcomers,” says Kehl.
No grace period for Terzic
However, there will be no grace period for the renewed BVB. “We will be challenged very quickly and have to grow together quickly,” said Kehl, referring to the tight schedule with the DFB Cup, Bundesliga and Champions League.
As far as the goal is concerned, Kehl does not want to commit himself. “I definitely see us in the role of wanting to attack as well, but I think many others should also see themselves in this role,” he explained: “Ultimately, Leverkusen and Leipzig are also challenged. They too have strong squads. And if we want to replace Bayern Munich after ten years, then all teams, then the whole league will be challenged.
There is no question that Bayern will also be the top favorites in the coming season. Even the fuss about Robert Lewandowski didn’t change anything. “Of course I followed the topic. I know Robert well and respect him very much,” he said. Despite the departure of his former team-mate, he does not expect Bayern to be weaker – the Munich team’s purchases alone speak for this, says Kehl: “They have again put a lot of money into their hands.”
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