Jürgen Kohler, a long-time Bundesliga player for Dortmund, has voiced criticism regarding the circumstances surrounding Nico Schlotterbeck’s contract extension with BVB.
«To be completely honest: for me, an exit clause is not a clear commitment. That’s not real love,» the 1990 World Cup winner stated. «The big clubs determine the timing and conditions of a transfer themselves. With Borussia Dortmund, I often get the feeling that they react rather than act.»
Schlotterbeck recently extended his contract until 2031 after difficult negotiations. However, according to media reports, the agreement includes an exit clause for specific clubs that can be activated as early as this summer. «You now have a top player – but with a built-in exit strategy. In such constellations, there is often no real winner,» Kohler commented.
The 26-year-old Schlotterbeck, whom BVB has now made a top earner, possesses «all the prerequisites for an international top player and also for a leadership role.» However, he primarily needs consistency. «If he achieves that, he can become a top-level defensive leader.»
Jürgen Kohler Criticizes Boos Against Nico Schlotterbeck
During the home game against Bayer Leverkusen (0-1) on Saturday, the first after the contract extension was announced, Schlotterbeck was booed by some fans. Dortmund officials and teammates had already criticized this, and Kohler (60) cannot condone it either.
«I understand the frustration, but in critical phases, a player needs support – not additional unrest. In the end, this helps neither him nor the team,» he said.