Why Borussia Dortmund have lost key figures after UCL final loss

Borussia Dortmund, fresh off their appearance in the Champions League final, faces significant changes as they lose two pivotal figures: veteran defender Mats Hummels and manager Edin Terzic.

The club announced via a statement on their website that Edin Terzic has decided to leave his role as manager. Reports suggest that a heated altercation between Terzic and Hummels just before the Champions League final triggered the departure.

According to German outlet Ruhr Nachrichten, the confrontation stemmed from Hummels’ critique of Terzic’s tactics during the Bundesliga campaign. Terzic, reportedly enraged by the criticism, had a violent confrontation with Hummels. The situation escalated to the point where the club had to intervene to focus on the final match, but ultimately, Terzic decided to step down.

Mats Hummels, who has been a cornerstone of Dortmund’s defense for 14 years, will not be renewing his contract with the club. Hummels had expressed his willingness to stay only if Terzic left, which now appears to be the case. This marks a significant end to his long association with Dortmund.

Hummels was critical of Terzic’s tactics, particularly in crucial matches against top-tier opponents. In an interview with Bild, Hummels said, “I was furious because I was of the opinion that Borussia Dortmund shouldn’t play like that – against any opponent in the world. I didn’t think it could go on like this. I felt insulted in my honour to stand on the pitch in that kit. So submissive, so inferior in footballing terms. The two Stuttgart games and the away game in Leverkusen. That was barricading with 11 men in the box.”

With both Terzic and Hummels leaving, Dortmund faces a challenging transition period. Hummels, excluded from Germany’s team for the 2024 Euros, will be looking for a new club. Dortmund will need to find a new manager and bolster their defense as they prepare for the next season.