Avoiding Scapegoats: Why Hans-Joachim Watzke must take the blame for Borussia Dortmund’s struggles
By Eli Brand
Why this is Hans-Joachim Watzke’s fault
Not only has Hans-Joachim Watzke failed to get his coach and sporting director on the same page, he has failed to uphold the values of the club including its code of conduct.
As the CEO of a fan controlled club, Watzke is responsible for upholding the values its fans want. While Borussia Dortmund has a diverse group of fans, it needs to be mentioned that the club angered many with the signing of Felix Nmecha which counteracts some of the club’s stated missions in support of the LGBTQI* movement.
The midfielder shared and liked several homophobic and transphobic posts on Instagram earlier this year. Many fans appealed to the club not to sign him when rumors emerged. But the club ignored all protests and still decided to pay over the odds for him.
What’s also holding Borussia Dortmund back immensely is their new policy of targeting German internationals and Bundesliga players. While last summer this coincided with the signings of Nico Schlotterbeck and Niklas Süle, this policy seriously limits the club’s flexibility and also shows their lack of ambition.
Additionally regarding leaks, it is Watzke’s job to create the proper power structures and protocols to limit who hears things about transfers to avoid a situation where the club has to pay over the odds for key targets.
Giving coaches as much power and job security as Watzke has with Terzic usually does not work out well. And if Borussia Dortmund’s poor start to the season continues, the club’s long-time CEO will be left with egg on his face.