There’s no (black and yellow) smoke without fire!
After weeks of rumblings and links to Werder Bremen, sporting director Sebastian Kehl has finally left Borussia Dortmund.
The club confirmed their former midfielders departure in a (slightly) shocking statement after an incredible late comeback win over Hamburg.
They wrote: “Borussia Dortmund and Sebastian Kehl have mutually agreed to end their collaboration.
“This decision was reached unanimously by the BVB management and the former sporting director this Sunday.”
Who is Sebastian Kehl?
Kehl played for Dortmund from 2002 to 2015, becoming a club legend with three Bundesliga titles.
In 2018 he began working as a front-of-house executive, and since 2022 as sporting director.
His run was characterised by near misses in the Champions League final and a final day Bundesliga collapse, both under Edin Terzic.
Kehl’s management of a power struggle between Terzic and Mats Hummels damages his reputation, as did some poor coaching calls, and a lack of ambition in the transfer market.
Yet his overall stability and vision made Dortmund a guarantee for Champions League football and the knockout rounds, meaning Bremen’s interest is little surprise.
Ricken and Kehl make statements
CEO Lars Ricken commented: “In a very open discussion, Sebastian Kehl, Carsten Cramer, and I came to the shared conclusion that the summer is the right time for changes.
“To allow both sides to prepare, we mutually agreed to an immediate termination of Sebastian’s contract.
“Sebastian and I also share a long history. We not only played together for Borussia Dortmund, but also won the German championship together in 2002.
“Sebastian has made an enormous contribution to our club, and we are very grateful for his great commitment.”
Kehl added: “Borussia Dortmund has been a part of my life for half my life, and I have an extremely strong connection to this great club.
“Nevertheless, we have now jointly come to the conclusion that it’s time to move forward – both for BVB and for me. Lars, Carsten, and I reached this decision today after a constructive discussion.
“I owe Borussia Dortmund a great deal and am proud to have been part of the BVB family for around 24 years.
“During this time, I was able to celebrate so many incredible successes with the club, its staff, and its fantastic fans, and it will forever make me proud to be a part of the club’s history.
“The groundwork has been laid, and I wish the club all the very best in its restructuring and continued success.
“Borussia Dortmund, the incredible stadium, and the South Stand will always hold a special place in my heart. It has been an honor.”
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