After Schlotterbeck bombshell, BVB chief Ricken speaks out | OneFootball

After Nico Schlotterbeck’s clear comments on his contract situation at BVB, there is suddenly major uncertainty. Managing director Lars Ricken has reacted with surprising calm.

Nico Schlotterbeck’s statements after the German national team’s international match against Ghana have caused considerable unrest around Borussia Dortmund. While Sky had recently reported that a contract extension was imminent, the center-back himself clearly cast doubt on that portrayal – causing quite a stir.

In the mixed zone, Schlotterbeck initially appeared to be in good spirits, but quickly turned serious when the topic of a contract extension came up. “I’m being completely honest, I have to clearly deny that. Unfortunately, we’re not that far along,” the 26-year-old made clear. He was especially surprised by the recent media reports: “I’m very surprised by the reporting that the signing is just around the corner.”

The defender also made it clear that his personal situation has changed recently. After the departure of Sebastian Kehl, with whom he had held intensive talks, he now has to reassess things. “The situation has changed a little now. I just have to see what happens,” Schlotterbeck explained, announcing talks with the club’s current sporting leadership.

BVB boss Ricken shows understanding for Schlotterbeck

His open words not only sparked debate among fans, but also attracted attention internally at BVB. Nevertheless, those in charge reacted comparatively calmly. Sporting managing director Lars Ricken told the Sport Information Service (SID) that he understood the national player’s comments and stressed that there had not been any agreement anyway: “Nico’s statements are understandable. We have not confirmed either a breakthrough or an agreement, so it was actually the recent reporting that surprised us.”

Photo: IMAGO

At the same time, Ricken underlined that the club remains very interested in a long-term partnership. “We are still in a trusting dialogue with Nico and his management. Our basic position of wanting to tie him to BVB for the long term has not changed. We will continue working on that.”

What is clear, however, is that a quick decision is not currently in sight. The contract saga surrounding Schlotterbeck is entering the next phase – and is likely to keep Dortmund’s decision-makers busy for some time yet.

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