Terzic resigns as Borussia Dortmund manager

Borussia Dortmund has announced the departure of head coach Edin Terzic, who requested the termination of his contract less than two weeks after the team’s defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League final.

Dortmund’s 2023-24 season saw them reach the Champions League final under Terzic‘s guidance, where they were ultimately defeated by Real Madrid at Wembley Stadium. Following a joint discussion, the club agreed to Terzic’s request.

“After the game at Wembley, I asked for a meeting with the club’s senior management team. After nine years at BVB, including six on the coaching staff and two and a half as head coach, I feel the club’s new era should begin with a new man on the touchline,” said Terzic, 41. “This has been a very difficult decision for me, but after intensive discussions, my fundamental feeling has not changed. I wish Borussia Dortmund the very best. Thank you and see you soon.”

Terzic started his coaching career at Dortmund’s academy (2010-2013) before joining Slaven Bilic as an assistant at Besiktas and then West Ham. He returned to Dortmund in 2018 as Lucien Favre’s assistant, and took over as interim head coach after Favre’s dismissal in December 2020, leading the club to a German Cup victory. He served as Dortmund’s technical director before being appointed head coach in 2022.

Dortmund narrowly missed out on the Bundesliga title last season, finishing as runners-up after a final day draw with Mainz. This season, they finished fifth, securing a spot in next season’s Champions League.

“Edin Terzic has done an outstanding job at BVB, and we owe him a huge debt of gratitude,” said Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke. “Edin and I will always remain friends.”

Terzic’s departure is surprising, as he was expected to continue leading the team after their impressive run to the Champions League final. Born near Dortmund, Terzic had a long association with the club, starting as a junior coach and scout after a playing career in the lower divisions. Under his management, Dortmund won the German Cup in 2021 and reached the Champions League final this season, joining the ranks of only Jurgen Klopp and Ottmar Hitzfeld.

Despite their European success, Dortmund’s domestic performance was disappointing, finishing 27 points behind Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen and being eliminated in the German Cup last 16 by Stuttgart.