"I'm not buying into the hype": BVB legend criticises Schlotterbeck | OneFootball

After the top match against FC Bayern, Nico Schlotterbeck is particularly in the spotlight. BVB icon Steffen Freund is tempering the hype around the national player and currently sees two Bayern defenders ahead of him.

The hype around Nico Schlotterbeck is huge – but not everyone shares the current enthusiasm for Borussia Dortmund’s center-back. BVB legend Steffen Freund has now expressed clear doubts about the national player’s current status.

The former Dortmund player and 1997 Champions League winner does not currently see Schlotterbeck at the level of some of his competitors. “I’m not quite buying into this hype. When I look at Tah and Upamecano: both of them are better than he is at the moment,” Freund said in an interview with RTL/ntv and sport.de.

Schlotterbeck was especially in the spotlight during the recent top match against FC Bayern – but with mixed results. The defender narrowly escaped a red card early on, then later even put BVB ahead with a goal. However, as the match progressed, he conceded a penalty, which Harry Kane converted to give Munich a temporary 2-1 lead.

For Freund, it’s clear that Schlotterbeck is not yet among the absolute world elite. “I can imagine both scenarios, because I also don’t see him at this absolute top level yet,” the 56-year-old explained, looking ahead to the defender’s future.

Schlotterbeck’s Future at BVB Remains Uncertain

Because this very future is currently a big topic in Dortmund. Schlotterbeck’s contract runs until 2027, but the coming summer could still be decisive. According to Freund, BVB is already under pressure in their planning. “In fact, the Black and Yellows are almost too late when it comes to the 26-year-old national player,” he said.

Photo: IMAGO

The former national player also assumes that, in the event of a possible transfer, numerous top European clubs could get involved. Clubs like Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, or Manchester City would have significantly greater sporting and financial resources.

Freund therefore expects that the defender could face an important decision in the coming months. Major offers are entirely realistic: He expects “big offers” for Schlotterbeck. So while the sporting assessment continues to be debated, one question is likely to shape the coming months above all: Will Nico Schlotterbeck stay at BVB long-term – or will he seek the next step at a top European club?

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