Kehl will replace Zorc in the summer of 2022: Dortmund is reorganizing the sporting leadership


Kehl will replace Zorc in summer 2022
Dortmund is rebuilding the sporting leadership

Michael Zorc will have been Borussia Dortmund’s sports director for 24 years when he leaves office in the summer of 2022. The change is official: Sebastian Kehl takes over for the BVB legend, who can look back on more than 40 years in black and yellow.

When Sebastian Kehl signed his contract as future sports director with a smile, the founding fathers of BVB watched: The ancient black and white photo in the background made it clear once again that a small piece of history was written at Borussia Dortmund. “A very successful era is coming to an end, the next one should begin next summer,” wrote BVB in its message.

The actual news was no longer a big surprise. As expected, Kehl will succeed sports director Michael Zorc in summer 2022. The former national player will inherit the Dortmund veteran Zorc on July 1, his contract runs until 2025.

“I am happy that we have again succeeded in retaining a well-deserved master player for the long term beyond his active career,” said BVB managing director Hans-Joachim Watzke: “Sebastian Kehl has done a good job in recent years and has done himself prepare for his future role as sports director of BVB. Of course he is following in big footsteps, but we are convinced that Sebastian has the tools necessary for his job. “

Kehl is now also a BVB veteran

Nevertheless: Choosing Watzke is logical, but it also involves certain risks. Indeed, Kehl has to fill in great footsteps. Since moving to the BVB management level in 1998, Zorc has built up a large network. His departure marks a huge turning point. Logically, Kehl cannot yet have his experience and connections.

Nevertheless, the former BVB captain Kehl has already made a name for himself with the black and yellow as a licensed game manager. He can lead and think strategically. “I have felt very closely connected to this great club for almost twenty years now and I am proud to have the opportunity to shape the sporting area in a responsible position from 2022,” said Kehl.

Zorc was a professional and long-time captain of BVB for 17 years before moving from grass to management in 1998. In his era, Dortmund won three championships, twice the DFB Cup and reached the final of the Champions League in 2013. “As sporting director, creating the conditions for BVB to continue to be successful in the future means for me a requirement and an obligation at the same time,” said Kehl.

Now the handover by Zorc has to take place step by step. Kehl will have to take on more responsibility in the next few months. He is ready for it and enjoys the backing of his bosses. The BVB founding fathers would certainly have approved the election.

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