Internal conflict at BVB? Sammer speaks about Kehl exit | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund has surprisingly parted ways with sporting director Sebastian Kehl. Matthias Sammer now openly discusses the reasons – and finds clear words about the decision and the successor.

After the unexpected end of the collaboration between Borussia Dortmund and sporting director Sebastian Kehl, BVB advisor Matthias Sammer has extensively commented on the background – and mainly hinted at internal tensions.

“I believe it was the right decision to part ways,” Sammer explained in an interview with Sky, making it clear that both sides had recently grown apart. “Both parties were no longer as close,” the 58-year-old continued. Therefore, from his perspective, the separation was consistent.

Sammer cited increasing friction within the leadership team as a central point. In a large club, it is normal for several people to bear responsibility – but this is precisely where things went wrong: “There was a bit of working against each other,” said the 1996 European champion, hinting at internal conflicts.

There were reportedly differences, especially in collaboration with sports director Lars Ricken, as reported by BILD among others. Additionally, it apparently played a role that Kehl himself had ambitions for a higher position in the club, which ultimately were not fulfilled.

Sammer on Kehl: Conciliatory Words After BVB Departure

Despite the abrupt end, Sammer found conciliatory words for the former BVB captain. “Sebastian should take a bit of a breather now. He will find a good position,” he said, emphasizing that such developments are not unusual in football: “Sometimes the time comes when it no longer fits, and friction points arise.”

Photo: IMAGO

Dortmund reacted quickly to the departure and presented Nils-Ole Book as an external successor. Sammer was involved in the decision-making process and was convinced by the choice. “When I put it all together, I said: Lars, it’s a fantastic idea,” he reported.

Besides professional competence, the club considered personality particularly important. Teamwork played a central role in the decision. Sammer explicitly praised Book: “Having this attribute of teamwork and personality alongside expertise was very, very important to the club.” That the 40-year-old has not yet won major titles is not seen as a problem by Sammer – on the contrary: “Then I’ll be bold and say, he will soon achieve that with us.”

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