B-V-Briefing: Crunch time for the Black and Yellows

Elsewhere in Germany, a heated promotion battle is underway in the second division. St. Pauli have dropped their lead to Holstein Kiel, who won a tough match away against fourth-place Hamburger SV.

Borussia Dortmund loanee Tom Rothe scored the only goal of the game, continuing his impressive run of form for Kiel. The 19 year old helped his side see out the vital win, even though they had to play with ten men for 20 minutes.

Holstein Kiel have a one point lead over St. Pauli at the top of the 2. Bundesliga standings with four games left to play. Fortuna Düsseldorf are in the promotion/relegation play-off spot, five points behind the top two.

While questions regarding the future of Borussia Dortmund’s hierarchy continue, we finally have some answers. BVB legend and current youth team director Lars Ricken will become the new CEO of sport through 2027. He will succeed Hans-Jaochim Watzke, who will remain a member of the board of directors until the end of 2025. The return of Sven Mislintat has also been confirmed by the club. The former chief scout will return as technical director with a special focus on squad planning. Sporting director Sebastian Kehl will remain in his current role.

Borussia Dortmund are set for a relatively quiet start to this week before the intensity increases with their trip to RB Leipzig, followed by the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals. I’m feeling optimistic about Borussia Dortmund right now, and I hope you are as well!