Book, Ricken and co: who stands where in the new-look BVB? | OneFootball

On the pitch, things will not continue for BVB until Sunday. In the meantime, Maximilian Wessing in Welt turns his attention to what he calls the new “power structure” in Borussia Dortmund’s executive ranks. Where newcomer Nils-Ole Book fits into it, what the situation with Matthias Sammer actually is, and who else plays which role is examined there.

By parting ways with Sebastian Kehl, Lars Ricken not only showed that he is willing to make tough decisions when he believes the situation requires it. He also created a setup that is ideal for himself. In Nils-Ole Book, he is taking a certain risk, as Book had previously worked only in the 2. Bundesliga. But he can trust him completely, which had apparently not been the case with Kehl. After all, not too long ago Kehl had been aiming for precisely the post that Ricken was given somewhat surprisingly. However, Ricken himself is also fighting for his future at BVB. His contract runs until 2027, and by then he has to deliver.

Formally, Hans-Joachim Watzke is now “only” president and is no longer really involved in the day-to-day football business. But simply because his office is opposite Ricken’s, the two still speak regularly. When Ricken asked Watzke for his opinion on Book, Watzke declined to make a judgment. That is now in Ricken’s hands. In public statements, however, Watzke still very much sets the general direction, Wessing claims.

Photo: IMAGO

Will Sammer have a better connection with Book than with Kehl?

Ole Book, as he is simply called, is said to have made a positive impression in the first weeks of his new role. He reportedly speaks with coach Niko Kovac almost daily, and communication with the scouts is also lively. In addition, he is personally keeping a close eye on players who could become interesting for BVB. In doing so, he wants to find exactly what BVB have recently been lacking: the much-talked-about “difference-makers”.

Carsten Cramer has reportedly gained considerable influence internally of late. As the new primary point of contact for the executive committee and supervisory board, he must present and explain the respective situations. His goal is to bring more harmony and more courage to the club. Initial effects are already said to be visible. The contract extension of Nico Schlotterbeck was celebrated jointly by 50 employees, which is seen as an expression of a new sense of unity.

Coach Niko Kovac has earned a very strong standing with the club’s leadership thanks to his impressive points-per-game average. He has accepted that he is expected to place greater emphasis on developing young players in the future. As mentioned above, his opinion also carries weight in squad planning. Since his relationship with Ricken and Watzke is also described as “close,” he will normally have a longer future ahead of him at BVB.

That leaves Matthias Sammer, whose influence had steadily declined during Kehl’s time because of disagreements with him. This is now supposed to be different with Book. Initial talks have already taken place, and Sammer had long been an important sounding board for Kovac in particular anyway. But the same applies in his case: an extension of his contract, which runs until 2027, remains open for now.

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