Dortmund anger as Schlotterbeck booed in 0-1 Leverkusen defeat | OneFootball

Sections of the home support booed Nico Schlotterbeck during Borussia Dortmund’s 0-1 loss to Bayer Leverkusen, prompting a swift show of solidarity from team-mates, head coach and hierarchy. The centre-back had only just committed long term after talks concluded on Friday. The reaction was reportedly linked to speculation over a release clause in his new deal.

"No one deserves to be booed. It hurts us as a team, everyone in the stands needs to know that," he told DAZN.

Niko Kovač backed that stance. "That’s not possible. We are a team, we want to be successful. Of course, everyone can keep their disappointment to themselves, we want to stick together."

Managing director Carsten Cramer criticised the jeers and stressed that players wearing the Borussia Dortmund shirt, including Schlotterbeck, should be supported from the moment they step onto the pitch.

Reports continue to circulate about the terms of Schlotterbeck’s contract, including a release clause believed to be €50-60 million for selected top clubs. Sporting director Ole Book declined to confirm those details before kick-off.

Julian Brandt noted the weight of coverage around the situation. "There has been an extreme amount of reporting, which makes it difficult. He is a very respected player in the team. He simply has to concentrate on what he does best."

Dortmund will want to move past the episode quickly after a narrow defeat that already stung.

Source: BuLi News