Bourrsia Dortmund Star Marco Reus has been a transfer target for number of clubs, including Real Madrid, Chelsea and Liverpool. Dortmund CEO has now hinted at, the player’s exit from the club.
Less than 18 months ago, Borussia Dortmund were playing in the final of the UEFA Champions League and were being looked upon as favourites by some after their stunning performance against Real Madrid in the semi-final. Just goes to show how quickly fortunes can turn in the world of football, with the club now fighting to stay clear of relegation in the Bundesliga.
Dortmund have now lost 10 out of their opening 17 games, leaving them second from bottom in their league. Adding to their problems is the injuries suffered by key players at key points in the season. One such player is Marco Reus – one of the world’s very best. His absence is going to affect any team, let alone a team like Dortmund who lost inspirational players Robert Lewandowski and Mario Gotze in successive seasons.
Reus, however, has often stated his desire to stay with Dortmund for as long as he can. It is perhaps due to this reason that any transfer rumour surrounding the 25 year-old isn’t taken too seriously. Unless, of course, it is someone substantial who is doing the talking. Someone like club CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke.
According to Goal.com, Watzke has admitted that this season maybe Reus’ last with Die Borussen.
“My big hope is that he will stay here for a long time,” Watzke said on Wednesday. “If he decides differently, that’s the way it is. One of the challenges in football is to benefit from staff changes in any way and create new things.”
Talking about Reus’ injury, Watzke said, “Of course I can understand that he wants to get fit, play again and look in which direction we’re heading, first. Some time he will take his decision. It it the most normal thing in the world and it will happen soon. Whether it is in four or eight weeks, this won’t be the fact that makes a big difference.”
The conversation then turned to another player who has only just returned from a long term injury – Ilkay Gundogan. Recent reports have suggested that Gundogan could be allowed to leave the club if he doesn’t sign an extension to his contract that runs out in 2016.
Watzke, though, insisted that the club remain calm about the matter, “There is no ultimatum for Ilkay Gundogan about a contract extension.”
The CEO also gave his views on manager Jurgen Klopp who is under pressure following the club’s disastrous start to this year’s Bundesliga campaign.
“I still consider him an excellent coach. And it would be strange to work successfully together for six years and then change your mind in a minute. I am 100 per cent sure he is the right man for Borussia Dortmund,” said Watzke.
“Our situation is unusual and difficult. But when you have success after success for six straight years, it may happen that it goes completely the other way around for a change. Now it is up to us do deal with it.a