“That takes priority now”: BVB legend Schmelzer surprises with exit | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund will have to do without Marcel Schmelzer in the future. The BVB legend is surprisingly taking a break after the season.

Surprising personnel news at Borussia Dortmund: club legend Marcel Schmelzer will step down from his position as assistant coach of the U23 team after the current season and will initially withdraw from football. BVB officially bid farewell to the 38-year-old on Sunday before the reserve team’s final home game at the Stadion Rote Erde. Alongside Schmelzer, physiotherapist Daniel Zolinski was also bid farewell after working with the U23 for eight and a half years.

For many fans, the departure of the long-time fan favorite came unexpectedly. According to the former professional himself, however, the decision had been made quite some time ago. “I personally had been planning this for a long time,” Schmelzer explained in an interview with Ruhr Nachrichten. The club’s officials had also been informed early on.

The former left-back is now setting clear priorities away from the pitch. “We are expecting our second child in September. That takes priority now,” said Schmelzer. That is why, after two years as assistant coach, he wants to consciously take a break and spend more time with his family.

BVB legend Schmelzer leaves return to football open

Despite his withdrawal, Schmelzer is continuing to work on his coaching career. The former BVB captain is currently completing his A+ license and recently even spent time observing at Dynamo Dresden as part of a DFB training course. “In the summer I will have completed my coaching license. This is a good moment to take a break now,” he explained.

Photo: IMAGO

How long the break will last, Schmelzer is leaving open. “For now, I’m going to enjoy the time with my family,” he said. There is currently no specific timeframe for his return. Until the end of the season, however, he will remain part of the coaching staff of Dortmund’s U23 team.

Schmelzer is one of the defining figures of Dortmund’s successful years under Jürgen Klopp. Between 2008 and 2022, the left-back made 258 Bundesliga appearances for BVB. With the Black and Yellows, he won the German championship twice and also reached the Champions League final in 2013.

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