BVB share: Haaland mourns the loss of advisor Raiola – transfer still pending – Witsel changes

After the 3:4 (2:2) in the small Revierderby against VfL Bochum, the BVB striker made the short walk from the dressing room to the car provided and left the stadium without a word and with his head bowed. He expressed his sadness at the death of his advisor Mino Raiola late on Saturday evening with an emotional farewell post. “The best,” the Norwegian wrote on Instagram for a red heart and a picture that shows him sitting next to the standing and also smiling Italian.

During the game, Raiola’s family broke the news of his death on the player’s agent’s Twitter account. Alf-Inge Haaland was one of the first to express his condolences to the family. “Rest in peace. The best,” wrote the father of the Dortmund professional, who, together with Raiola, was the main actor in the transfer poker game that had been going on for months.

Born south of Naples and raised in the Netherlands, Raiola was just 54 years old and was one of the club’s most powerful agents and feared. In addition to Haaland, he also represented stars like Zlatan Ibrahimovic and world champion Paul Pogba. “Mino fought to the end with the same strength he showed in negotiations to defend his players,” the death message said. “Mino has been a part of the lives of so many players and has written an unforgettable chapter in the history of modern football.”

BVB trainer Marco Rose found the fact that the Italian media had falsely announced the death of the charismatic agent on Thursday as irreverent: “What happened in the last few days, how the topic was treated, was just disgusting. I can only offer my condolences speak out and give the family members and friends a lot of strength for the next few days.”

The consultant’s death fuels further speculation about Haaland’s future planning. It cannot be ruled out that the transfer will now be delayed further. Most recently, Manchester City was the supposed goal of the 21-year-old. Recent headlines about FC Bayern’s alleged interest intensified the hype about the exceptional talent that has been going on for months.

But Dortmund’s patience is limited. “We are in very good talks because of course – and we repeat this almost every day – we want a decision,” commented licensed player boss Sebastian Kehl before the game against Bochum on Sky, referring to the club’s desire for planning security. “No final decision” has yet been made.

The embarrassing 3:4 against the promoted team from Bochum, who thanks to goals from Sebastian Polter (3rd), Gerrit Holtmann (8th), Jürgen Locadia (81st) and Milos Pantovic (86th/penalty) have already stayed in the class for two games made perfect before the end of the season, Haaland should have encouraged his intention to change. Even his three goals didn’t result in a win.

Despite all the good intentions to at least offer the fans a successful Bundesliga final spurt after early knockouts in Europe and in the DFB Cup, the team again drew the annoyance of the annex. What was intended as reconciliation ended in a loud whistling concert.

Against Bochum it also became clear in which part of the team there was the greatest need for action in the urgently needed restructuring of the squad for the coming season. “We’re super disappointed. When I look at the table and see 50 goals conceded as second in the table, it’s clear what the core issue is,” complained coach Rose. The 75 million euros that BVB could earn for the transfer of Haaland according to the contractual clause would simplify the club’s management project.

Witsel confirms departure from Dortmund at the end of the season

The Belgian national soccer player Axel Witsel has meanwhile confirmed his departure from Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season. “We concede too many goals, we have to improve on that next season. I said so, but I won’t be there next season,” the midfielder commented on the Bundesliga club’s 3-4 (2-2) win on Saturday against VfL Bochum. His contract expires this summer. The club’s management had signaled weeks ago that it did not want to extend the collaboration with the Belgian that began in 2018. The 33-year-old Witsel left open which club he will play for in the future.

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DORTMUND/ROM (dpa-AFX)

Image sources: 360b / Shutterstock.com, Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund/Getty Images