Borussia Dortmund's general director, Lars Ricken, has commented on earlier rumors surrounding Sven Mislintat. At the beginning of this season, tensions were said to have risen within Dortmund, but according to Ricken, it’s not as bad as it seems.
Mislintat's appointment as Borussia Dortmund's sporting director on May 1st marked a significant change in the club’s leadership structure.
Previously with Ajax, Sven Mislintat brought with him a reputation for being a sharp-eyed talent scout and a figure who isn't afraid to challenge the status quo. His role involves working closely with Lars Ricken, the club’s general director, and Sebastian Kehl, the technical director and former Dortmund captain, in shaping the club's sporting strategy. However, the transition hasn’t been without its difficulties.
In early August, rumors began circulating in the German media about friction within Borussia Dortmund’s leadership, particularly between Mislintat and the new head coach, Nuri Sahin. Sahin, who himself is a former Dortmund player, took over as coach amid high expectations, and the reports suggested that the two strong personalities had clashed over their differing visions for the team. The media also hinted that Mislintat’s relationship with Kehl was not entirely smooth, fueling speculation that tensions within the leadership could impact the club's performances on the pitch.
Despite these rumors, Lars Ricken stepped forward to clarify the situation in an interview with the German broadcaster ZDF. Acknowledging that disagreements do occasionally arise, Ricken was quick to dismiss claims of any major rift within the club’s hierarchy. "It hasn't escalated anywhere," Ricken stated, pointing out that such disagreements are natural when individuals with strong opinions are working towards the same goal. He stressed that rather than being a source of dysfunction, Mislintat's assertive personality actually pushes the team to perform at their best. "Of course, Sven has a very challenging personality. But that actually helps us all move forward. It makes you feel like you always have to perform at your very best," he explained, framing Mislintat’s influence as a positive force.
Ricken went on to emphasize how well the team had worked together during the summer transfer window, a crucial period for any club hoping to strengthen its squad. "I think the transfer window has shown the influence Sven has," Ricken said, praising Mislintat's role in identifying key targets such as Waldemar Anton and Serhou Guirassy, both of whom were successfully brought to the club. These acquisitions, Ricken noted, were a direct result of Mislintat’s valuable input during the scouting and recruitment process. "He gave us extremely important input in bringing in Waldemar Anton and Serhou Guirassy. Sebastian then led the contract negotiations. It was excellent teamwork," Ricken added, stressing the collaborative nature of the leadership team despite the earlier reports of tension.
This public show of unity comes at a critical time for Borussia Dortmund, as they aim to remain competitive both in the Bundesliga and in European competitions. Having a stable and effective leadership team is essential to navigating the pressures of top-level football, and Ricken’s comments seem to be aimed at reassuring fans and stakeholders that the club is in good hands, despite the media speculation.
One of the other key figures in this leadership dynamic, Sebastian Kehl, has been with Dortmund in various capacities for many years, both as a player and now in an executive role. His contract as technical director is set to expire next summer, which has led to further questions about the club’s long-term plans. However, Ricken confirmed that Borussia Dortmund is in talks with Kehl regarding an extension, though he refrained from providing specific details. "Kehl's contract expires next summer. Borussia Dortmund is in talks with him about a possible longer collaboration. But we'd prefer to keep those discussions internal," Ricken concluded, hinting at the club's desire to handle such negotiations discreetly.
As Borussia Dortmund continues its quest to challenge for titles, the relationship between these key figures Mislintat, Kehl, Ricken, and Sahin will be pivotal in determining the club’s success. Ricken’s statements suggest that, while there may be occasional friction, it is the product of a passionate and committed team all striving for the same goal: to elevate Borussia Dortmund back to the pinnacle of German and European football.
