In an interview with RevierSport, Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke spoke to the German outlet regarding the purchase of Mario Götze, Thomas Tuchel and the recent tour of China.
“It was a very successful tour. We already knew that we had a large fan base in China but the stunning reception that we got there absolutely surprised us!” said Watzke.
“We have to earn our money ourselves. At the moment China is probably the most interesting market, because their President has enacted a 50-point football plan in which billions will be invested,” added Watzke.
“China is building more than 100,000 football fields, and in every class there will soon be several hours per week of football practice.
“Soon the broadcasting rights for the Bundesliga will be awarded again. The presence of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund abroad will see a significant boost.”
Borussia Dortmund have lost three key players which include Mats Hummels, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and İlkay Gündoğan, but the club have invested that with the arrivals of Marc Bartra, Ousmane Dembélé, Emre Mor, Raphaël Guerreiro, Sebastian Rode, André Schürrle and Götze.
“This is a transition period, and that usually requires some time,” said Watzke. “When I see the team that we have now, I have a good feeling. On the other hand, I also know that we have eight new additions and three very valuable losses.”
The return of former prodigy was received with hatred from some fans, however, those fans are applauding the sale of Leroy Sané by rivals Schalke.
“If some people feel compelled to boo him, then they should do it,” added Watzke. “We have a democracy but personally, I am not best pleased if someone is personally insulted be it Mario or anyone else.
“Mario has nothing to feel guilty about. He had an exit clause and he notified us personally that he wanted to leave. This year Leroy Sané has made exactly the same decision and that is being celebrated by the fans.”
Watzke insists the head coach Thomas Tuchel has had a say in the transfer market, regarding the arrivals and departures at Borussia Dortmund.
“I feel that he (Tuchel) is very satisfied with the incomings so far,” said Watzke. “If Thomas Tuchel did not want those players , then we would not have signed them, but at Borussia Dortmund, the coach does not just pass a wish list, which is met by the management.
“We discuss the plan in an extremely constructive manner. We would never sign a player which the coach says he could not use.”
Speaking about Borussia Dortmund’s goals in the coming season, Watzke stated that the club must not solely focus on the Bundesliga title – but insists that there is now more competition for the league.
“We want to directly qualify for the UEFA Champions League and want to get through the group stages of this season’s UEFA Champions League,” added Watzke. “Borussia Dortmund has title winning mentality in it’s genes. It has always won titles in the past and it will resume doing so.
“The bottom line is: the desire to win the title should remain as a desire and should not turn into an obsession!
“This year Schalke are very dangerous with their new director of football Christian Heidel.
“In recent times Schalke have had this obsession to win the title, which paralyses a club perhaps. Then there is Bayern Munich, if they can afford themselves a break from winning the title then we can capitalise! I don’t feel that time is now but I am sure it will come soon.”
