“Go into battle”: Watzke with clear demand for BVB chiefs | OneFootball

In Hans-Joachim Watzke’s view, Borussia Dortmund should present itself more confidently in the future. The BVB president is calling on Lars Ricken and Carsten Cramer to show more assertiveness — while also praising the decisions they have made so far.

Even months after stepping back from day-to-day operations, Hans-Joachim Watzke continues to speak out clearly. In an interview with Ruhr Nachrichten, the current Borussia Dortmund president says the club is on the right track, but at the same time sets clear expectations for the new leadership team.

Watzke has an unmistakable message especially for managing director Lars Ricken and Carsten Cramer: “Of course, people also need to hear us as Borussia Dortmund. We must not become too quiet.” In an increasingly competitive Bundesliga in particular, he said, it is important to show presence. “They also have to be willing to go into the fight. Sometimes you also have to come across a bit more broad-chested so that everyone else has a certain level of respect for you.”

The 66-year-old is convinced that BVB “will remain a strong voice in the Bundesliga.” “But our people in charge know that, and we need to continue sharpening our profile. That will certainly be, first and foremost, a task for Carsten Cramer, but Lars has to support him in that role.” From a sporting perspective, Watzke sees positive developments. The team has “gained enormously in mentality,” which is especially evident in difficult phases of matches. Nevertheless, he said there is still further potential — above all through more continuity in the squad, in order to further improve routines and automatisms.

BVB boss Watzke backs Ricken

The longtime club chief also gives his successor Ricken a good report. “In not even two years, Lars has already made relatively clear and tough decisions,” Watzke emphasizes, contradicting the impression that Ricken tends to hesitate. He particularly highlights one personnel decision: “But he dismissed Nuri Şahin and then made exactly the right decision with Niko Kovac. That also needs to be acknowledged.”

Photo: IMAGO

In general, Watzke is relying on the new leadership to take responsibility themselves. Decisions must be made by Ricken and Cramer on their own — only then can their work truly be assessed. At the same time, he is deliberately holding back from public criticism and, if at all, wants to voice it internally.

For Watzke, one thing is clear: Borussia Dortmund should continue to play a significant role in the future — both athletically and politically. To achieve that, the club must not only deliver performances, but also raise its voice.

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