Following Sebastian Kehl’s unexpected departure from Borussia Dortmund, new information is coming to light. It appears there were irreconcilable differences within the BVB’s upper management. Here are the latest news and rumors surrounding the Black & Yellows.
BVB Rumor: New Details Revealed on Kehl’s Departure
New insights shed light on the circumstances of Sebastian Kehl’s exit from Borussia Dortmund. Reports suggest that «irreconcilable differences» existed within the BVB’s leadership, primarily stemming from a strained relationship between Kehl and his direct superior, Sporting Managing Director Lars Ricken.
The roots of these tensions date back to spring 2024, when Ricken, then head of the youth academy, surprisingly took over Hans-Joachim Watzke’s position as Sporting Managing Director – a role Kehl himself had long hoped for. Kehl, reportedly disappointed when he was passed over for the post and remained Sporting Director, saw his ambitions unfulfilled.
Furthermore, it is rumored that the decision regarding Kehl’s separation was made before Saturday evening’s match. However, the official announcement was delayed until after the game to ensure a cleaner break ahead of the upcoming international break. On Sunday morning, Kehl was informed of the decision during an approximately hour-long meeting at the BVB offices in Dortmund-Brackel. The club’s official statement referred to an «amicable» separation.
Sebastian Kehl had served as head of BVB’s licensed player department for four years starting in 2018, during which time Dortmund won the DFB-Pokal in 2021. In summer 2022, the former BVB professional was promoted to Sporting Director, and in 2024, the Black & Yellows reached the Champions League final.
BVB News: Krösche Reports on Meeting with Kovac
Markus Krösche, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Sporting Managing Director, has spoken about a recent meeting with BVB coach Niko Kovac.
The two met for dinner last Tuesday in Frankfurt, but Krösche clarified that the discussions were not about future collaboration. The meeting, he explained, came about rather by chance: «It’s a funny story! Peter Fischer celebrated his 70th birthday, and Niko Kovac was also present. Our press spokesperson Jan Strasheim is friends with Niko. I decided to join for dinner. We sat together and talked about football. What was made of it later is typical of today’s times,» Krösche explained.
Nevertheless, there has been increasing speculation recently about whether Kovac and Krösche could work together at Borussia Dortmund in the not-too-distant future. Especially after the departure of Sporting Director Sebastian Kehl, these rumors could gain traction.
Krösche himself is reportedly considering leaving Eintracht Frankfurt, as he is dissatisfied with the imbalance between the club’s economic and sporting expectations. It is therefore described as «more open than ever» whether Krösche will remain with SGE beyond the summer. Should he leave the club, a promising new sporting perspective could open up for him at Borussia Dortmund.
BVB News: Anton Regrets Departures of Brandt and Süle
Waldemar Anton, Borussia Dortmund’s central defender, expressed his regret over the upcoming departures of Julian Brandt and Niklas Süle after this season.
«Personally, I find it very sad that Juli, Niki, and Salih are leaving us. We’ve experienced a lot together, been through highs and lows, and laughed a lot. Each of them has their special qualities and will be missed in their own way,» said the German international.
Anton also emphasized, however, that these changes present an opportunity for Dortmund to undertake a comprehensive squad reset. «When players leave, new ones come in – that’s the normal course of football. I am confident that the club management will sign good players,» he added.
Regarding the club’s future prospects, the 29-year-old also expressed a desire for a contract extension for Nico Schlotterbeck. «Of course, I talk to Schlotti about it. Ultimately, it’s his decision. He thinks a lot about it. And he knows, just like everyone else, how important he is to us and how happy we would be if he stayed.»
BVB Fixture List: Borussia Dortmund’s Upcoming Matches
| Date | Match |
|---|---|
| April 4, 6:30 PM | VfB Stuttgart — BVB (Bundesliga) |
| April 11, 3:30 PM | BVB — Bayer Leverkusen (Bundesliga) |
| April 18, 3:30 PM | TSG Hoffenheim — BVB (Bundesliga) |