“This isn’t real love”
World champion with sharp criticism of DFB star Schlotterbeck
April 14, 2026 – 1:24 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Nico Schlotterbeck recently extended his contract in Dortmund – but with an exit clause. A German world champion attacks the defender sharply.
Former BVB defender Jürgen Kohler clearly criticized Nico Schlotterbeck after his contract extension with Borussia Dortmund. “To be honest: an exit clause is not a clear commitment for me. That is not real love,” said the 1990 world champion in an interview with Sport1.
After months of negotiations, Schlotterbeck signed a new working paper a few days ago that runs until 2031. But: An exit clause is anchored in the contract. The defender is allowed to leave BVB for a handful of teams after the World Cup, including Real Madrid. The value of the clause is reportedly between 50 and 60 million euros.
Kohler described Schlotterbeck’s clause as a “negotiation reality” in modern football. But what’s important is “not the symbolism, but the design,” explained the 60-year-old and made it clear to the DFB professional: “If a clause is below market value, a club loses control in the long term. You extend it – but at the same time you are already planning the next step. That is not a sign of strength.”
The ex-national player also sees a crucial problem for Dortmund. The big clubs themselves would determine the timing of a transfer and its conditions. “At Borussia Dortmund I often have the feeling that you react rather than act,” said Kohler. “If you’re always planning for the next exit, you’ll never reach the top.”
In the case of Schlotterbeck, the extension was good in the short term, Kohler made it clear, because it would tie an important player. But: “In the long term, everything depends on whether you maintain control. You now have a top player – but with a built-in exit strategy,” explained Kohler. “In such constellations there is often no real winner.”
