Lars Ricken maps out vision to lead Borussia Dortmund to success

Lars Ricken is ready to usher in a new era at the club and has set out his vision to lead the club to success in the coming years.

In a decision that not many saw coming, Lars Ricken was appointed as Borussia Dortmund's new CEO of sport last month. The 47 year old, who spent his entire playing career with the Black and Yellows, was given the top job after making an excellent impression on those in charge.

After overseeing the youth department at Borussia Dortmund for several years, Ricken is now ready to implement his vision at the club. He wants BVB to be competitive again in the Bundesliga next season, and also wants to ensure that fans go home happy after every game.

During his press conference on Wednesday, Ricken said, "I became German champion as a youth player, as a pro player, and as director of the youth department. Of course, I'm not going to put aside my ambitions now, but I can't make any promises. We want the fans to go home happy after every game and look forward to the next one. That should be our ambition. That's what we did against Atletico and PSG. We may not have won any titles, but we created great memories."

"The team showed in the Champions League what they are capable of. But of course the Bundesliga is also very important to us. It is the competition that has the highest priority at the start of the season. Our task is to ensure that we have a competitive team next year."

As for squad planning ahead of next season, Ricken is keen for Borussia Dortmund to have a good mix of exciting young players and experienced stars. "The most pressing task is planning the squad for next year. We have always been strongest when we have had a two-way strategy: young, hungry players and a framework of experienced players with expertise, mentality and leadership, allowing the young players to flourish. This has to be our approach."

The next few weeks will certainly be exciting for Borussia Dortmund. On June 1, Edin Terzic's side will have their sights set on winning the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 1997. And off the pitch, the man who sealed the win in that final with a sumptuous goal will be mapping out the club's plans for the future.