DORTMUND, Germany (AP) — Borussia Dortmund on Friday appointed former player Nuri Sahin as coach, replacing Edin Terzić, who leave the club the day before.
Sahin, 35, who was previously Terzić’s assistant, signed a new three-year contract.
“From day one we will do everything we can and work with energy and passion to make this club as successful as possible,” Sahin said in a Dortmund statement.
Sahin played 274 competitive matches during two spells at Dortmund, scoring 26 goals. He left after his first spell at Real Madrid in 2011 and also played on loan at Liverpool before returning to Dortmund, initially on loan, in 2013. Sahin also played for Werder Bremen and Turkish side Antalyaspor, where he began his career as coach. He returned to Dortmund as assistant coach last January.
“He has worked very hard in recent years to prepare for a career as a coach, and will show great dedication in his new position and help the team progress,” said Dortmund sporting director Lars Ricken. “As former players, we will work closely together and have big ambitions. Nuri knows the club and its staff and BVB is in his DNA as a player and as assistant coach.”
Sahin is expected to improve on Dortmund’s fifth-place finish in the Bundesliga last season. He will have to do it without veterans Marco Reus and Mats Hummels. Reus’ departure was revealed following the Champions League final defeat to Madrid, while Dortmund confirmed earlier on Friday that Hummels’ contract was not renewed.
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