During an interview with SportBild, Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl has spoken about contract extensions, the Bundesliga title race, and the club’s main objectives this season.
BVB have hit the ground running in 2023. Coming into the new year, Edin Terzić’s side were 6th place having lost their last two league games. However, Dortmund are currently unbeaten in all competitions, second in the league and on the same points as Union Berlin and league-leaders Bayern Munich. A three or even four-way title charge is about to commence.
When asked about what has changed since the winter break in 2022:
“We have made noticeable progress in many areas that we analyzed together in the winter. Among other things, we have worked intensively on our standards, we have become more consistent and effective and scored significantly more goals. In the league there were already 19 in 2023, nobody scored more. And we’re much more compact, we’ve only conceded six. All of this means that we are back in the table region in which we expect ourselves. Despite this, we have not achieved anything yet.”
Mats Hummels and Marco Reus’ contracts are expiring. Can we expect contract extensions for them both?
“We are in an open and honest exchange with each other. But so far there is nothing to report. The way they both contribute shows that they are fully committed to this team and will do whatever it takes to achieve our goals for the season.”
Jude Bellingham’s contract does not expire but he is gathering a lot of interest. Has he made a decision about his future?
“Jude feels very, very well at Borussia Dortmund. But there are no new talks, let alone requests for him. We need Jude to achieve our goals this season and we’re glad he’s focused so much on football and has no other issues on his mind at the moment.” He continues, “Jude still has two years of contract and is a very important part of this team. That’s why I naturally wish that he would play for BVB longer.”
Julian Brandt is the man of the hour at Dortmund right now. With one year remaining on his contract, is the plan to extend his stay?
“We see Julian’s development every day. He has taken a giant step forward – and we are very happy about that. I am of course familiar with the contract situation and we are approaching the subject very positively and calmly.”
What else is possible this season for BVB?
“We got a very attractive draw in the cup in Leipzig. It’s very ambitious, but if we want to go to Berlin and win a title there, we have to do it in Leipzig – we definitely have the opportunity. And we put ourselves in a good position in the Champions League by beating Chelsea. Equal on points with the first in the league, still represented in the premier class and in the cup. We are right on schedule.”
GGFN | Jamie Allen
