Press reaction to Kehl leaving BVB: “Only the timing surprises” | OneFootball

Originally, it was planned to part ways with Sebastian Kehl only at the end of the season. However, since this decision had apparently already been made, BVB acted quickly and decisively. On Sunday, the separation from the long-time player and current sporting director was not only carried out, but also made public. This is how the press is commenting on this step.

Focus sees “(almost) only winners” in this decision. It’s a rare case where a separation mainly brings advantages for all parties. BVB is moving out of the comfort zone of staff with club ties. This is the right path for a new beginning at Borussia. Kehl, for his part, benefits by now being able to take on a leading role at HSV—precisely where his path at BVB was blocked.

Welt notes that the trust between Watzke, Ricken, and Kehl had already been damaged since Ricken took the position of sporting CEO—a role Kehl would have liked to have. When Cramer—who is not a supporter of Kehl—was then made spokesperson for the management board, it became clear that Kehl’s days at BVB were numbered. Moreover, this separation may only be the beginning of a restructuring at BVB: Ricken, too, cannot be certain of his job in the long term.

Photo: IMAGO

Cramer Also Not a Supporter of Kehl

According to DerWesten, by saying goodbye to Kehl, BVB is also saying “farewell to the comfort zone,” which the club had been for too long anyway. Changes were overdue: “Five years without a title, and the club is currently just drifting along.” While BVB is too good for the rest of the league, to finally be able to challenge Bayern again, a complete rethink is necessary. The decisions to part ways with Julian Brandt and Niklas Süle also point in a new direction. Apparently, the club is no longer afraid to take such new paths. “The new course will do the Ruhr club good.”

Süddeutsche Zeitung is less impressed with Kehl’s transfer record at BVB. Even if not the only reason for the separation, Freddie Röckenhaus judges that, given Kehl’s modest achievements, the decision does not come as a surprise.

Representing many other media outlets, Sky is also mentioned, for whom the timing of the separation is the most surprising aspect. The decision itself to continue at Borussia Dortmund without Kehl had been widely expected.

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