Watzke: Borussia Dortmund ‘economically as stable as very few in Germany’

Hans Joachim Watzke has revealed that Borussia Dortmund is economically very stable, and players will forego part of their salaries until the end of the year.

Borussia Dortmund released a statement yesterday, saying that the club expecting a shortfall in the range of 45 million euros in the current financial year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now CEO Hans Joachim Watzke has revealed that the club is ‘as stable as only very few other clubs in Germany’. The liquidity is sufficient for at least the next 2-3 years.

Watzke also confirmed that the Borussia Dortmund players and coaching staff will continue to forego part of their salaries to help the club save money during this uncertain period.

"“We will save where we can,” Watzke said. “The professionals are helping out – they are waiving parts of their salary until 31 December, and there is talk of 20 percent. Nobody has to worry about the club. We are economically as stable as only very few in Germany.”"

The BVB boss also spoke about the upcoming transfer window, and said that he does not expect too many new arrivals or departures. Borussia Dortmund have already announced the signing of Thomas Meunier, while Achraf Hakimi and Mario Götze will be leaving the club.

"“We are living in the Corona period. At a time when you are flying blind for a while, you have to be careful when you don’t have a state or a multi-billionaire behind you.”"

Watzke was also critical of the media for criticising Borussia Dortmund’s mentality after the defeat to Hoffenheim. “It is a witch-hunt that I cannot accept,” Watzke said. “If we allegedly have the worst mentality of all 18 teams in the Bundesliga, it would be a miracle that we finished as runners-up.”

There has been hope in recent weeks that fans would be able to attend Bundesliga matches, when the new season starts in September (September 11, 18 are the two dates being currently mentioned). Watzke confirmed that concepts, that still have to be discussed with the government, are almost ready. He is hopeful that at least some fans will be allowed back into the stadiums, although the number is guaranteed to be less than half of the capacity crowd.

The 61 year old was also asked about Borussia Dortmund’s goals for next season, and remained tight lipped, instead saying that the Black and Yellows will not reveal their official target for the season in public.

"“For years we have been criticised for not saying our goal is the championship. Last year we said that we wanted to try to become champions. This ‘want to try’ was deleted in the media after a few weeks. And from April onwards, we were criticised for not reaching our goal.”“We are no longer playing this game. We will no longer be declaring an official goal. Not because we don’t have one or because we are not ambitious. We will still try to win every game.”"

Mats Hummels and a number of other players have already spoken about their desire to fight for the Bundesliga title next season.