Surprise: Why BVB chief Kehl is hoping for Schalke’s promotion | OneFootball

Sebastian Kehl surprises with an unusual statement on ZDF-Sportstudio. The BVB sports director wishes for the Bundesliga promotion of arch-rival Schalke 04.

Borussia Dortmund's sports director Sebastian Kehl has caused a stir with an unusual statement. Despite the deep-rooted rivalry with Schalke 04, he declared on ZDF's Aktuelles Sportstudio that he wishes for the return of the Royal Blues to the Bundesliga.

When host Kathrin Müller-Hohenstein asked him about a Bundesliga without Schalke, Kehl initially needed a moment. Then he answered honestly: “The first word that came to my mind is boring. I think Schalke belongs in the 1st League. I look forward to derbies. I wish Frank Baumann the best of luck for their promotion.”

With this stance, Kehl is likely to cause some surprise among BVB fans. After all, it is not common for a Dortmund supporter to back the arch-rival. However, Kehl is not alone in this: Club legend Norbert Dickel and former goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller have also previously spoken in favor of a Schalke comeback in the Bundesliga.

The intensity of the Revierderby makes Kehl's wish understandable. The duels between Dortmund and Schalke have always been highlights in the Bundesliga calendar – legendary is the 4:4 draw in 2017. The statistics also promise excitement: In 140 official matches, BVB won 54 times, 42 games ended in a draw, and 44 went to the Royal Blues.

Unusual words: Kehl hopes for Schalke's Bundesliga comeback

The last derby was over two years ago. In the 2022/23 season, the clubs parted with a 1:0 and 2:2, before Schalke had to return to the 2nd League. Since then, the Royal Blues have only occupied the tenth and fourteenth places there. However, under new coach Miron Muslic, who took over in the summer, the team has shown significant improvement and currently ranks fourth.

Meanwhile, things are going splendidly for BVB. After the 2:0 victory in Mainz, the team remains unbeaten and is once again on Bayern Munich's heels. However, Kehl made it clear in the Sportstudio that despite the strong start, he does not want to make early championship announcements: “In the end, it doesn't help to talk about it on matchday 5. We have a long way to go.”

So while Dortmund dreams of the title, Sebastian Kehl simultaneously hopes for the return of the unloved neighbor. For the excitement, the atmosphere, and the derby that is unparalleled in the Bundesliga.

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