Internal unrest at Dortmund? Ricken hits back at Sammer’s criticism | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund is once again in the spotlight following clear statements from advisor Matthias Sammer. Managing Director Lars Ricken responds to the criticism and discusses conflicts, leadership, and decision-making at BVB.

The recent public statements by Matthias Sammer have sparked conversation at Borussia Dortmund. After the BVB advisor expressed clear criticism of the mentality, leadership structure, and need for harmony in the club following the Champions League match at Bodö/Glimt, Managing Director Lars Ricken has now commented on the matter.

The debate was triggered by an interview with Nico Schlotterbeck, who criticized the lack of a winning mentality at BVB after the disappointing 2-2 draw. Sammer supported the defender and called his words the truth. In this context, he criticized that problems at BVB are often glossed over and that there are "people with wonderful character traits, but no leadership qualities." He also spoke of a pronounced addiction to harmony within the club.

Ricken responded before the Bundesliga match against Borussia Mönchengladbach (2-0) on Sky to the statements of the long-time BVB advisor. He made it clear that they had sought internal discussions, but admitted: "Not every statement was optimal because there is, of course, room for interpretation." Ricken did not want to publicly evaluate who specifically was meant by Sammer's criticism.

BVB Boss Ricken Rejects Accusation of Harmony Addiction

However, the managing director emphasized the value of open discussions. "We agreed that 98 percent of the things we discuss are also internal," said Ricken, while also emphasizing that friction is part of development. "Sometimes a conflict is necessary."

Ricken firmly rejected the accusation of an excessive need for harmony. The past months have been characterized more by tough and sometimes painful decisions, made not out of convenience but in the interest of the club. He cited personnel changes at the leadership level as examples, which were difficult on a personal level but necessary for sports reasons.

Despite the public irritation, Ricken made it clear that Sammer is still valued as an important, opinionated source of impetus. Different perspectives are part of everyday life at a club like Borussia Dortmund – what matters is that they ultimately work towards a common goal.

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