Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans Joachim Watzke gives his backing to Lucien Favre
By Tushar Bahl
Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans Joachim Watzke has defended Lucien Favre, and has backed him to ‘put an end to the media prejudices next year’.
Lucien Favre’s future beyond the end of the season was thrown into doubt after the team’s failed title bid. But Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc revealed earlier this week that the Swiss trainer will be staying on for next season. Now CEO Hans Joachim Watzke has also given his backing to the 62 year old, saying that he deserves the chance to lead the Black and Yellows in their title fight next season.
"In an interview with Sport1, Watzke said: “Lucien (Favre) has twice helped us finish as runners-up, and still has a contract. I know the prejudices that exist in the media. He can now put an end to those prejudices next year, he deserves the chance.”"
Borussia Dortmund ended their season with a disappointing 4-0 defeat at home to Hoffenheim. Watzke believes that the players are to blame for the result for not showing up and playing with the wrong attitude.
"“Every coach in the world would have lost the game against Hoffenheim, it was clearly because of the team. In Leipzig it was the same coach. And we had one of our best matches in the last few years.”"
Watzke also spoke about Borussia Dortmund’s mentality, which has been the subject of a lot of media columns and discussions.
"“When you win, the mentality is always right. All week I read what a great mentality we had in Leipzig. The attitude was not right on Saturday, there is no question about it. That was a non-performance.”"
Watzke will be meeting up with sporting director Michael Zorc, head of licensed players departmentSebastian Kehl, external advisor Matthias Sammer as well as head coach Lucien Favre for a post season analysis on Monday. Watzke revealed that the meeting will “probably not only be characterised by harmonious discussions.”
Watzke also commented on the future of Jadon Sancho, and reiterated that potential suitors will not be given any discount despite the financial difficulties brought by the coronavirus pandemic.
"“If Jadon comes up to us and says that I want to leave, which hasn’t been the case so far, and a club comes along that is willing to meet our conditions, we will discuss it. I don’t think a club will pay the sum. There will not be even a single cent Corona discount.”“We have a more unusual situation next year than usual. With the exception of Achraf Hakimi, the team will stay together. That helps with development.”"
Next. Borussia Dortmund player ratings from Hoffenheim defeat. dark
Manchester United have been heavily linked with Sancho’s signature, but so far there have been no offers. Borussia Dortmund have set an asking price of 130 million euros the England international.