Borussia Dortmund boss Nuri Sahin was left fuming over his side's performance in the defeat to Holstein Kiel, with Erik ten Hag reportedly being eyed to replace him.
The Bundesliga giants sit ninth after losing to their relegation-threatened opponents. Sahin's team trailed 3-0 after just 45 minutes, before Giovanni Reyna and Jamie Gittens hit back for Dortmund.
Former Blackburn and Tottenham midfielder Lewis Holtby was sent off for Holstein as BVB looked for an equalizer. Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel even ventured forward for an injury-time corner, but was punished when Jann-Fiete Arpp scored from his own half to secure a 4-2 victory for 10-man Holstein Kiel.
“It's disgraceful how we performed here,” said a frustrated Sahin after the match. “That is not worthy of a club like Borussia Dortmund – from the first to the last minute. There is nothing more to say.
“As a player you don't have much say in such a performance, nor as a coach. It's my responsibility. It's absolutely disgraceful.”
Sahin, 36, took over the Dortmund job in the summer when Edin Terzic resigned after leading the team to the Champions League final last season. The former Liverpool midfielder lamented his team's inability to perform well and his style of play on a consistent basis.
“It's way too early after the game to say why the team isn't implementing it,” he said. “The question is why we can't implement it every three days. We have shown time and time again what we can do, but at this point we don't know what the outcome will be. That takes a lot of energy and a lot of points.”
There has been speculation about Sahin's position in Dortmund's battle, with former Manchester United boss Ten Hag reportedly already offering his expertise. The Dutchman is said to work as a 'shadow coach' and was present at the 3-2 defeat against Bayer Leverkusen.
Sky Germany reports that Ten Hag has a 'very good' relationship with Dortmund advisor and former captain Matthias Sammer. That has only fueled rumors that he could replace Sahin.
Ten Hag met Sammer during his previous period in Germany. The former Ajax coach was in charge of Bayern Munich's B team when Pep Guardiola was at the club.
Dortmund then make the trip to Eintracht Frankfurt in search of points before Champions League action returns. The German team will take on Bologna and remain in contention to automatically qualify for the last 16.
Comments