After fierce criticism: Ricken defends BVB’s transfer strategy | OneFootball

After a weak start to the season, criticism of Borussia Dortmund’s transfer policy is growing. Sporting director Lars Ricken defends himself—and announces further reinforcements.

Borussia Dortmund’s restrained activity in the transfer market has caused unrest in recent weeks. Fans and experts have criticized that the squad is too thin and that those responsible are acting too hesitantly. However, sporting CEO Lars Ricken firmly rejects these accusations.

“If we had made the transfers we’ve already completed just last week, no one would say anything. At least there wouldn’t be constant questioning,” Ricken emphasized on the show Sky90. With Jobe Bellingham, Daniel Svensson, Yan Couto, and goalkeeper Patrick Drewes, BVB has already made investments.

At the same time, Ricken made it clear that Dortmund still wants to add to the squad: “Nonetheless, it’s clear to us that we still want to do something. We’re considering every part of the team.” However, he did not want to reveal any specific names: “I can’t, won’t, and maybe am not even allowed to say anything about these players. It’s like with a stock. If I say something unguarded, it can increase or decrease the player’s value.”

BVB on the verge of signing Chukwuemeka and Anselmino

Although Ricken indirectly dismissed speculation about the return of Jadon Sancho, many signs still point to further reinforcements. Carney Chukwuemeka from Chelsea, who already played for Dortmund in the second half of the season, is especially being strongly linked. The signing of young Argentine Aaron Anselmino is also said to be imminent.

Coach Niko Kovac also made it clear after the disappointing start against FC St. Pauli that something needs to change before the end of the transfer window: “Right now, we don’t have the bench we envision. We’ll get that sorted.”

Lars Ricken doesn’t see the St. Pauli match entirely negatively. “I’m not an incorrigible optimist or see everything through rose-colored glasses. But I see the opportunity in this game that now everyone at Borussia Dortmund has realized: That’s over. That was an exceptional situation,” he said, referring to the previous comeback.

The motto for the new season is clear: “We have to earn everything all over again. We were the hunters. Maybe we have to call ourselves hunters again.” In any case, there is likely to be more movement in the BVB squad until September 1, when the transfer window closes.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.