Exclusive Student Offer

Prime for Young Adults

Get a 6-month trial with premium college perks & fast delivery.

Start Free Trial
Listen Anywhere

Audible Standard Trial

Get 30 days of audiobooks free. Cancel anytime, keep your books.

Claim Free Books

Markus Krösche (l), Sebastian Kehl (middle) and Ole Book (r)


podcast

As of: March 23, 2026 • 7:15 a.m

One day after the 3-2 win against Hamburger SV, Borussia Dortmund announces the separation from Sebastian Kehl.

By Tobi Schäfer and Anne Hilt

It has long been clear that there is no longer a real love affair between Borussia Dortmund and former BVB captain Sebastian Kehl. Too many expensive new signings have not (yet) delivered what the club had imagined. In the past few weeks there has been a lot of work on the new squad – especially on the departure side. But it is now clear: the further realignment will take place without Sebastian Kehl.

Loved as a player, alienated as a sports director?

According to the club, the separation was amicable. After his playing career, Kehl was initially head of the licensed player department since 2018 and sports director since 2022. Two years later he applied quite aggressively to succeed Hans-Joachim Watzke as sports director, but had to give way to Lars Ricken. “Borussia Dortmund has been with me for half my life and I have an extreme connection to this great club. Nevertheless, we have now developed the feeling together that it is time to go new ways – both for BVB and for me,” Kehl is quoted as saying on the club’s website.

Krösche or Book – who will be the new sports director?

In the “Bundesliga Update” podcast, hosts Tobi Schäfer and Anne Hilt talk about possible successors to Sebastian Kehl. According to media reports, Nils-Ole Book from SV Elversberg is a candidate. Would the step from the tranquil Saarland to the feverish Dortmund be too big? Tobi and Anne also discuss the name Markus Krösche and which profile best suits BVB.

It’s also over for Lukas Kwasniok at 1. FC Köln

Sunday began with the news about Sebastian Kehl and ended with another separation that had become apparent: 1. FC Köln no longer sees a future for Lukas Kwasniok in the coaching bench. From Cologne’s perspective, only two wins in five months, a draw in the Rhenish derby and the threat of slipping into the relegation zone were apparently the sign of a new beginning. Anne and Tobi discuss how much of a role Kwasniok played in Cologne’s weak phase and what could happen next. They also discuss the other games on matchday 27.

The Bundesliga update – every Thursday and Monday

The Bundesliga update is available on ARD Sounds, wherever there are podcasts and on the Sportschau football channel on YouTube. New episodes appear on Thursday afternoons and Monday mornings.

ttn-9

Get Audible 30-Day Free Trial

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.