New contract for Schlotterbeck completes Dortmund's wave ride

by Oliver Trust

BERLIN, May 4 (Xinhua) -- As if a resounding 4-0 win over Wolfsburg and celebrations in front of the famous Yellow Wall weren't enough, Borussia Dortmund capped a triumphant weekend with news that defender Nico Schlotterbeck is set to extend his contract through 2030.

Photos of jubilant players and the 25,000-strong Sudtribune filled football coverage on Sunday, while reports from Bild and WAZ indicated that the highly sought-after Germany international had agreed to remain at the club long-term, despite rumored interest from Bayern Munich. The 25-year-old center-back previously lifted the DFB-Pokal with Freiburg in 2021.

The news comes as Dortmund have climbed back into contention for Champions League qualification under head coach Niko Kovac. Appointed in February, the former Croatia international has guided the team to an unbeaten run of six Bundesliga matches, including five wins and a draw away at Bayern. The surge has lifted Dortmund to fifth place, just one point behind fourth-placed Freiburg, with two games remaining against Bayer Leverkusen and Holstein Kiel.

Kicker described Dortmund's turnaround as a "rebirth," while Bild called Kovac the club's "most valuable signing." Kovac has been credited with boosting the team's physical condition, shoring up defensive consistency, and instilling a winning mentality that had been absent for much of the campaign.

The resurgence comes at a crucial moment, with Dortmund preparing for this summer's expanded FIFA Club World Cup and hoping to avoid missing out on elite European competition after reaching the Champions League final just one year ago.

While fans dream of a miracle return to the top four, Kovac is tempering expectations. "The rest of the season is a mental challenge," he said. "We've made progress, but we haven't reached our goal yet."

Sporting director Sebastian Kehl echoed that sentiment, speaking of a "new greediness" within the squad. After weeks of internal uncertainty, Dortmund confirmed Sunday that both Kovac and Kehl will continue in their roles next season. The club's CEO for sport, Lars Ricken, reportedly played a key role in backing both men and stabilizing the leadership structure following a turbulent stretch that saw four different coaches take charge in the past 12 months.

With squad changes expected in the summer, Dortmund's early confirmation of its sporting leadership is seen as a strategic move to ensure a smoother preseason. While supporters prepare for a potential Champions League return, both Kovac and Kehl are aware that expectations will be even higher next season.

Their success in stabilizing and reinvigorating a previously inconsistent squad could mark the end of Dortmund's revolving-door approach to coaching - and a new chapter in the club's push to reestablish itself as Germany's No. 2 behind Bayern Munich. ■