Roman Bürki: Losing my spot at Borussia Dortmund came as a shock

Roman Bürki has admitted to being left shocked after being told that he was no longer part of Borussia Dortmund’s first-team plans.

Roman Bürki left Borussia Dortmund in 2022 after seven years at the club, joining newly established MLS club St. Louis City SC. The Swiss goalkeeper enjoyed a rollercoaster of a spell with the Black and Yellows, and made a total of 232 appearances for the club.

However, Bürki’s time at Borussia Dortmund ended with him being the club’s third-choice goalkeeper. He lost his spot in the team in 2021 and was then replaced by compatriot Gregor Kobel.

Bürki has now commented on being frozen out at BVB, and how it came as a shock to him. In an interview with SportBILD, the 32 year old said:

"“I was disappointed that the people in charge had given me a new contract a year earlier and told me that they were counting on me. I was shocked when Edin Terzic and Sebastian Kehl told me that they were no longer planning with me.”“I couldn’t be as happy about the victory in Berlin (vs RB Leipzig in the DFB-Pokal final), and couldn’t celebrate it as I would have liked. Before the game, I got messages from BVB officials telling me how good I was. That didn’t feel right, because a short time before I had been told that I was no longer needed.”"

Roman Bürki has enjoyed an impressive turnaround with St. Louis City SC, where he is also the club captain. The goalkeeper is happy in the United States, and also feels well appreciated both by his new club and supporters.

Bürki also feels that the arrival of Lionel Messi has helped the MLS attract the attention of fans all over the world.

"“Messi brings MLS extreme attention all over the world. It’s also a great thing, especially for young U.S. players, when you see who’s sitting in the stadiums now. Messi has attracted stars from all walks of life. Football on the rise in the USA. More and more kids want to play football. And the fans are extraordinary.”"

Bürki has made a total of 28 appearances for St. Louis City SC so far this season, and they are second in the overall MLS standings at the moment.