Nico Schlotterbeck: "I Don't Think It Will Be Much Longer" Until BVB Contract Decision

Following Borussia Dortmund's victory in Stuttgart, the highly sought-after national player once again discussed the status of his contract negotiations. He also explained his previous denial from the past week.

Nico Schlotterbeck has hinted at an imminent decision regarding his contract situation with Borussia Dortmund. After BVB's 2-0 win against VfB Stuttgart, the 26-year-old stated, "I had a good discussion with Lars and Ole. We will continue the talks this week. I believe it won't be long until I make a decision." He added that he "can certainly imagine staying here," emphasizing that all discussions need to go well, and he hopes for productive talks this week.

His recent strong clarification after the international match against Ghana had caused quite a stir. The national player explained, "I was very surprised and just wanted to defend myself. I wanted to clarify because there was a lot of talk directed at me personally. If a media outlet reports that I'm signing this week, and then I don't, I end up looking foolish. I can't really please everyone."

Schlotterbeck on His Denial: "It Was Not Ill-Intended"

He acknowledged that "there would be backlash, also concerning me personally. That's how the football business is. It wasn't meant negatively towards you (journalists) or the BVB fans," the defender explained. "I simply wanted to hear Ole's perspective on how he's approaching things. That's why I wanted to correct what was being reported in the media."

New Sporting Director Ole Book commented that they "tried to have a very substantive discussion" in this initial meeting. "Lars and I presented our ideas for the future. He seemed very open and interested. The conversation was enjoyable. This is one part of the process we've now started. We'll see everything else in the coming weeks."

Book added that he "did not perceive Schlotterbeck's clarification earlier in the week as criticism of the club, myself, or anyone else."

Lars Ricken: "The Trust is 100 Percent There"

Before BVB's match on Saturday evening in Stuttgart, Managing Director Lars Ricken had already commented on the current state of discussions. "We sat down directly, without agents," Ricken told Sky Sport, emphasizing, "The relationship of trust between Nico and the club is 100 percent intact."

Ricken confirmed that they intend to meet again soon.

In Stuttgart, BVB secured their 19th season victory with late goals from Karim Adeyemi and Julian Brandt. This win has nearly guaranteed the Bundesliga's second-placed team another qualification for the Champions League.