After seven years of service in which he transformed Borussia Dortmund to a Bundesliga giant and one of Europe’s best clubs, German, Jurgen Klopp, will end his relationship with the club – at least as far as being their manager is concerned – at the end of the current season.
A club statement released on Wednesday stated that the 47-year-old requested to be released from his contract which was due to run until 2018, a time in which he would have celebrated 10 years managing the club.
"It's extraordinary for such a relationship to last seven years in football. Nobody is to blame for our parting of the ways, whether it be the team, the fans or anybody else,” said Klopp.
"Jürgen, you can be sure that after our incredible achievements and outstanding co-operation you have earned the gratitude of all Borussia fans," BVB CEO Hans-Hoachim Watzke told him.
Klopp joined Dortmund in May 2008 signing a two-year contract at Signal Iduna Park. Having finished in a lowly 13th place the previous season under Thomas Doll, Klopp helped Dortmund rise to 6th in his first full season in charge and one higher place the season after.
In his third season in charge, he delivered the 2010-11 Bundesliga title, Dortmund’s first in 8 years before successfully defending it in the 2011-12 season. He won the German Football Manager of the Year in both occasions.
He made Dortmund a permanent UEFA Champions League club, coming close to winning the competition in the first ever all-German final in 2012-13 season. They lost 2-1 to Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich.
At the start of the current season, they beat Bayern Munich 2-0 to win the DFL-Supercup but that success has evaded them in the league. By the time he announced his imminent departure, Dortmund are out of the Champions League and need one hell of a miracle in the Bundesliga to even finish in a Europa League space.
Die Schwarzgelben were at one time bottom of the Bundesliga before winning a couple of matches that catapulted them to a slightly higher position. They have won only 9 games and lost 13 which sees them placed 10th with 33 points, over twice less than leaders Bayern who are on 70 points, and 18 adrift of Bayer Leverkusen who occupy the last of the four Champions League spots.
The likable Klopp is the longest serving head coach in the history of Dortmund and has delivered 129 victories in 232 games, the highest average in the club’s history.
Although he will most certainly leave Dortmund without having delivered Champions League football for next season, the former Mainz player and boss commands huge respect across Europe.
There will be suitors for sure. Be it Manchester City in England, either of the Milan sides in Italy or an above average club in Spain, it would be interesting to see where he will land.
And That's thesteifmastertake!!
And That's thesteifmastertake!!
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