Why Edin Terzic stepped down as Borussia Dortmund coach

Why Edin Terzic stepped down as Borussia Dortmund coach

Festus Chuma 15:25 - 13.06.2024

Nuri Sahin might succeed Edin Terzic as Borussia Dortmund coach after the German resigned, marking an end to his impactful tenure.

On Thursday, June 9, Edin Terzic announced his resignation as the coach of Champions League runners-up Borussia Dortmund, signaling the end of a significant era at the club.

Terzic's departure comes just days after a heart-wrenching 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League final at Wembley on June 1.

In a statement, Terzic expressed his sentiments about leaving the club he has been deeply connected with for nearly a decade.

“It is incredibly painful for me to say this to all Black & Yellow fans, but today I am parting company with Borussia Dortmund. It was a huge honour to win the DFB Cup with BVB and to lead this fantastic club to the Champions League final," Terzic to the club portal.

“After the game at Wembley, I asked for a meeting with the club’s senior management team, because after nine years at BVB – including six on the coaching staff and two and a half as head coach – I feel that the club’s new era should begin with a new man on the touchline.”

Terzic's tenure at Dortmund has been marked by significant highs, including a German Cup victory and the memorable Champions League journey, but also by stark lows, such as this season's fifth-place Bundesliga finish – their worst in nine years.

His decision was influenced by a mix of personal reflection and professional evaluation.

"Everyone close to me knows that this has been a very difficult decision for me to take over the last few weeks, but after intensive discussions my fundamental feeling has not changed. I wish Borussia Dortmund the very best, thank you and see you soon," he added.

Dortmund's executives have expressed their gratitude and respect for Terzic's contributions.

“Edin Terzic has done an outstanding job in his time at BVB, and we all owe him a huge debt of gratitude. Edin and I will always remain friends,' CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke noted.

Meanwhile, Lars Ricken, Managing Director for Sport, highlighted Terzic's enduring passion for the club.

“The many discussions we have had recently have once again made clear Edin’s love and passion for BVB, and he will always be a Borussia fan and part of the BVB family," he said.

Despite his success, including a German Cup victory as interim coach in 2021 and leading the team to a near Bundesliga title in 2023, Dortmund’s recent underperformance in the league and an early exit from the German Cup might have influenced Terzic’s decision.

His tenure marked by highs and lows ends as he seeks new challenges, leaving a legacy of passion and commitment at Borussia Dortmund.

Reports suggest Nuri Sahin, Terzic's assistant, might be a potential candidate, indicating a preference for continuity within the team's coaching hierarchy.

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