In the wake of a decisive week for Borussia Dortmund. As they face an all-important Champions League game against Bologna. Where a loss will most probably mean a change of scenery in the dugout. Could a former Manchester United manager be in line to succeed Nuri Sahin?
It’s been quite the season for the German giants, however for all the wrong reasons.
Dortmund currently sits in 10th place in the Bundesliga, gaining the same amount of wins as losses so far. (7) Whilst conceding 31 goals, which is the most goals conceded at this stage of the league since the 2007/08 season.
Also scoring the least amount of goals up until matchday 18, since 2014/15 under Jurgen Klopp.
While their current placement in the league is also the worst it’s been since 2007/08. Meaning that all the wrong records have been broken for Nuri Şahin’s Borrusia Dortmund.
With reports circulating lately that the club’s next Champions League game is crucial for the Turkish coach. As Patrick Berger reports “The bosses are already working in the background on possible successors in case Sahin loses again in Italy”
Also continuing by assuring one of the main candidates “Erik ten Hag (54/) remains, as exclusively reported, a hot candidate. Sandro Wagner and Roger Schmidt, on the other hand, are not available.”
Therefore, with the former Manchester United manager being rumoured to join the Yellow Wall. How likely is this deal?
Could Dortmund appoint Ten Hag?
As Patrick Berger mentioned above, neither Sandro Wagner nor Roger Schmidt are available for Dortmund. Therefore could that mean that it will be a simple deal?
Well, Erik Ten Hag was relieved of his duties a couple of months ago. As his Manchester United side was set for a historically poor season. Which is a fact that has not since changed, as the Red Devils are currently in 13th place in the Premier League.
Therefore, Dortmund will not have to pay a certain fee to get the Dutch coach out of a contract. Although it has been reported by Florian Plettenberg that “his severance pay with MUFC would need to be settled.”
However, overall it does not look like a deal that will be too complicated to complete. Especially considering the fact that the German side will be facing sixth-placed Bologna in the Champions League, away from home. Why is that a concern?
Well, Dortmund rank in 16th place out of 18 for away form in the Bundesliga. Scoring 10 goals, (12th) and taking the ball out of their net 20 times. (13th)
Therefore, their chances of a win in Italy don’t look bright. Leading us to a potential appointment of Erik Ten Hag being likely too.
How promising could this appointment be though?
What will Ten Hag bring to Dortmund?
Although no one kind hide from the Dutchman’s time in Manchester. Where although his tenure included silverware. Winning both a League Cup and FA Cup in consecutive seasons. The details throughout his time tell another story.
Despite that, Manchester United and Dortmund are very different in how they operate as a club. Hence why it could be more realistic to mention Ten Hag’s Ajax side in anticipation of his move. Why?
Well, at United, Ten Hag was given the keys to Old Trafford to build the squad that he sees fits his style. Which was reportedly one of the main topics with the hierarchies before his move to United.
The evidence is staggering, as the club spent over €600 million on signing since his arrival. What was more apparent was the type of signings he made. With Lisandro Martinez, Antony, Andre Onana, Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt and Sofyan Amrabat all being players that he has previously worked with.
Therefore, what can be concluded is that he is better off as a coach, rather than a manager. Who is mainly in charge of most actions inside the club.
Which is exactly how he operated at Ajax. Ten Hag had the correct structure above him that recognizes the type of football the club has to play. While aligning that vision with the coach’s needs.
Giving the coach only one headache, dealing with on-the-pitch issues. This strategy led them to one of the most exciting European sides over the last couple of years.
Defeating mammoth opponents in the Champions League such as Real Madrid and Juventus. While reaching the semi-finals, seconds away from being in the final.
Producing outstanding football in the process. Which is something that Dortmund fans will be buzzing to hear.
Summary
To conclude, this could be a very exciting appointment in the making if it goes through. In addition to the perfect partnership between a club that is currently in need of salvation. And a coach that must improve his name in the European game once again.