News blog about Borussia Dortmund
Comeback perfect: Ex-BVB boss returns
Updated on November 25, 2024 – 6:41 p.mReading time: 6 min.
Borussia Dortmund is one of the most successful football clubs in Germany. In our news ticker you will find all the important news about BVB.
Former sports director Michael Zorc is back at Borussia Dortmund. The 62-year-old was elected to the supervisory board of the Bundesliga club on Monday. Zorc was already active at Westphalia as a professional, sporting director and most recently as sporting director until 2022.
Zorc explained at the beginning of the general meeting of Borussia Dortmund GmbH & Co. KGaA that he wanted to “make his experience and expertise available to the committee.” Managing director Hans-Joachim Watzke assured that he had “spent many hours persuading” Zorc to run for the post.
Because both chairman Christian Kullmann and Bodo Löttgen are leaving the BVB supervisory board, two places became vacant – Christian Schmid was also elected. Zorc has been without a job in professional football since his departure as BVB sports director.
On Saturday, BVB will face FC Bayern in the top Bundesliga game. Before the game in Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park, managing director Lars Ricken made an announcement towards Munich. “We in the sports management are sure: This will be a great game. We will win it, we will do it together!” said Ricken at the general meeting of shareholders on Monday.
The 48-year-old also defended himself against criticism of the squad planning. The BVB management is accused of having planned a squad that was too small: “Nuri (Şahin, editor’s note) substituted four or five national players in the first few games. We are satisfied with our squad.”
In the dispute over an advertising contract with the defense company Rheinmetall, the majority of Borussia Dortmund shareholders did not speak out against the deal. The umbrella organization of critical shareholders had submitted a motion not to discharge the management because of the contract with the defense company. However, the majority of shareholders (99.84 percent) did not agree.
On Sunday, the majority of the club members spoke out against the contract with Germany’s largest arms company at the club’s annual general meeting. However, the vote is not binding for the BVB management.
Rheinmetall is Germany’s largest arms company, which is experiencing strong growth against the backdrop of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine and the general arms boom.
Waldemar Anton wants to assert his style of play at Borussia Dortmund – and not be compared to Mats Hummels. “Mats was and is a world-class footballer. But I’m a fan of leaving my own footsteps,” explained the Bundesliga club’s central defender in an interview with the ”Ruhr Nachrichten”. The 28-year-old emphasized that the club had signed him “to help lead the team.”
On Saturday against SC Freiburg (3:30 p.m.) Anton can show these leadership qualities again. After recovering from injury, he is fit again in the squad.
What impact will Michael Zorc’s return have on Borussia Dortmund’s squad planning?
Time.news Interview: Exploring Borussia Dortmund’s New Chapter with Michael Zorc
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we bring you the latest insights from the world of sports. Today, we’re fortunate to speak with John Müller, a sports analyst and expert on German football. John, thank you for joining us!
John Müller: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss Borussia Dortmund and the exciting changes happening at the club.
Editor: As many fans know, former BVB sports director Michael Zorc has made a return to Borussia Dortmund, this time as a member of the supervisory board. What does this mean for the club?
John Müller: Michael Zorc’s return is monumental. He has been a legendary figure at Dortmund, having played and served in various capacities, notably as the sporting director until 2022. His wealth of experience and understanding of the club’s culture will undoubtedly influence decisions moving forward, especially as the club looks to reclaim its position in Bundesliga and European competitions.
Editor: Zorc has emphasized his desire to bring his experience to the committee. How crucial do you think his insights will be in the club’s future strategic planning?
John Müller: Extremely crucial. Zorc knows the ins and outs of both the team and the management. His familiarity with the players, the training staff, and even fan expectations will be beneficial. As Borussia Dortmund navigates challenges like squad depth and player acquisitions, Zorc’s historical context and insight will help the committee make informed decisions.
Editor: Speaking of challenges, Managing Director Lars Ricken has been defending the current squad planning against criticisms of being too small. What’s your take on this issue?
John Müller: Ricken’s defense indicates that there is an understanding of the need for depth, especially when competing at high levels. However, the performance in the early matches raises questions. Injuries are inevitable in football, and having a robust squad is essential for any team’s success. How Zorc fits into planning here will be key—he may push for a more proactive approach in this aspect.
Editor: Borussia Dortmund’s upcoming match against FC Bayern also looms large. What does this match mean for BVB, especially with the backdrop of these organizational changes?
John Müller: The match against Bayern is always significant, not just for points but also for morale and momentum. Given the recent changes within the management, it could serve as a fresh start. A strong performance against their biggest rivals could galvanize the squad and fans alike, sending a message of intent that they are serious about competing for titles.
Editor: There’s also been some controversy regarding an advertising contract with a defense company. How has this been perceived within the club and by the fans?
John Müller: Controversies like these touch on the ethics of partnerships, especially in football where the line can be blurred between business and moral responsibilities. The near-unanimous shareholder support for the contract indicates that, for many, the financial implications outweigh the ethical concerns. However, it does reflect a wider issue about how football clubs balance profitability with their social responsibilities.
Editor: Lastly, how do you see the future of Borussia Dortmund shaping up with Zorc now on board and with these ongoing developments?
John Müller: It’s an exciting time for Dortmund. The return of Zorc could stabilize the club’s strategy and direction. If they can capitalize on Zorc’s expertise while addressing immediate challenges like squad depth and ethical partnerships, they could see a resurgence both domestically and in Europe. I think fans have a reason to be optimistic.
Editor: Thank you, John, for your insights. It’s clear that Borussia Dortmund is at an interesting junction, and we look forward to seeing how these developments unfold.
John Müller: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss the beautiful game.