"Devastating consequences": Effenberg fears star exodus at BVB | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund is under immense pressure following the Champions League debacle at Atalanta Bergamo. Stefan Effenberg warns of "devastating consequences" – in sports, finances, and personnel.

The exit of Borussia Dortmund from the Champions League has lingering effects – in sports, finances, and possibly personnel. After the 1:4 debacle at Atalanta Bergamo, TV expert Stefan Effenberg raises the alarm and warns of long-term consequences for the club.

Dortmund had set the best conditions with a 2:0 in the first leg. But in the second leg, the team collapsed – and despite a comfortable starting position, they exited the top league in the playoffs. For Effenberg, it is clear that this defeat will leave its mark. In his column for t-online he writes: "I fear: Something will remain. This 1:4 will not pass by them without a trace."

Besides the sporting setback, the economic damage weighs heavily. Due to the early exit, BVB misses out on significant revenue. "On this one evening, they squandered ten, eleven, twelve million euros. That could still have devastating consequences," warns Effenberg. Money that is likely to be missing in squad planning for the summer.

For this reason, the former Bayern professional also sees movement in the squad. "Especially Karim Adeyemi, Nico Schlotterbeck, or Serhou Guirassy, who have been subjects of speculation about leaving Dortmund in the summer for some time, will now carefully consider where they want to play next season," he predicts.

BVB Leadership Under Pressure: Ricken and Kehl Face "Herculean Task"

The responsibility now lies with the leadership. CEO Lars Ricken and sporting director Sebastian Kehl face an enormous task. Effenberg speaks of a "Herculean task" to draw the right conclusions and form a competitive team for the 2026/27 season.

Photo: IMAGO

However, there is not much time for analysis. In the Bundesliga, the next tough test awaits with the home game against FC Bayern Munich. For Effenberg, there is no alternative: "There can only be one answer for Dortmund: They must win."

If BVB slips up again, the 57-year-old sees the title race as practically decided. "I am certain: Even a draw would decide the title race, and a Dortmund defeat even more so." The consequence would be drastic: early cup exit, early Champions League exit – and possibly the end of all championship dreams. For Effenberg, it is clear: Then "the entire season would have to be questioned."

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.