Erik ten Hag back in action? Next Champions League round could be decisive

Borussia Dortmund faces a critical moment as the team endures a disappointing season, with three consecutive defeats leaving coach Nuri Sahin on the brink. Sitting in 10th place in the Bundesliga and last in their Champions League group, the club's hierarchy is reportedly considering Erik ten Hag as Sahin’s potential successor.

Erik ten Hag back in action? Next Champions League round could be decisive
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Borussia Dortmund is facing a crisis of confidence as the team struggles to find form in what is shaping up to be a season far below expectations.

With three consecutive defeats across all competitions, pressure is mounting on head coach Nuri Sahin, whose position now hangs by a thread. The once-revered midfielder, tasked with leading the club into a new era, has found himself unable to reverse the team’s fortunes. Reports suggest that the club’s patience is wearing thin, and Sahin’s future could be determined by the outcome of their next Champions League match a critical encounter away against Bologna.

According to journalist Patrick Berger, a fourth consecutive loss would almost certainly lead to Sahin’s dismissal, marking a dramatic shift in the club's management. The match against Bologna is seen as pivotal, not just for Dortmund’s European ambitions but also for the leadership at the helm. A poor result could cement Dortmund’s position at the bottom of their Champions League group, further compounding their domestic struggles.

Dortmund’s current predicament is stark. The team sits in a lowly 10th place in the Bundesliga, a far cry from the title-challenging expectations that fans have come to associate with the club. Meanwhile, their European campaign has been equally dismal, with the team rooted to the bottom of their group stage. Such performances have led to increasing unrest among supporters and a sense of urgency within the club’s hierarchy to act swiftly to salvage the season.

The club is reportedly already laying the groundwork for a managerial change. At the forefront of the search is Erik ten Hag, the Dutch tactician widely admired for his previous stints at Ajax and Manchester United. Ten Hag remains a free agent following his departure from United, where he faced challenges of his own but maintained a reputation as a skilled strategist capable of building cohesive, attacking teams. Dortmund sees him as an ideal candidate to instill discipline and rejuvenate a squad that has struggled for consistency and cohesion this season.

While Ten Hag is the leading candidate, the club has also considered other options, though some names have already fallen out of the race. Roger Schmidt, the former Benfica coach who is currently unattached, was briefly discussed as a potential successor. However, sources close to the club have confirmed that Schmidt is no longer under consideration, leaving Ten Hag as the clear frontrunner should Sahin be relieved of his duties.

The decision to part ways with Sahin, if it comes to that, will not be taken lightly. A beloved figure at Dortmund during his playing days, Sahin was seen as a symbol of the club’s identity when he was appointed. However, the results have not matched the expectations placed upon him. Dortmund’s season has been marred by defensive frailties, a lack of creativity in midfield, and an inability to convert chances into goals. These issues have been evident in both domestic and European competitions, leaving fans and pundits questioning whether Sahin has the tactical acumen to navigate the challenges of a high-pressure role like Dortmund’s.

The upcoming Champions League clash against Bologna now looms large as a make-or-break moment for Sahin. Bologna, while not among Europe’s elite, has shown resilience in the competition, and Dortmund will need to be at their best to secure a positive result. A loss would not only all but end their Champions League hopes but could also trigger a managerial overhaul as the club looks to salvage what remains of the season.

For Erik ten Hag, the opportunity to take over at Dortmund could be a chance to reinvigorate his career and restore his reputation as one of Europe’s top coaches. Known for his ability to develop young talent and implement an attractive style of play, Ten Hag would inherit a Dortmund squad rich in potential but in desperate need of direction. His previous success with Ajax, where he guided the team to the Champions League semifinals with a young and dynamic squad, is a testament to his ability to maximize the resources at his disposal.

Dortmund’s board, led by CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke, faces a critical decision in the coming days. The club’s identity has long been built on attacking football and a commitment to developing young players, and any new managerial appointment would need to align with that philosophy. Whether Sahin can turn things around or Ten Hag is given the reins, the stakes for Dortmund could not be higher. The next few matches will not only define their season but could also shape the club’s trajectory for years to come.