Sebastian Kehl has spoken publicly for the first time about his lack of promotion from sporting director to sporting director at Borussia Dortmund. "At first, of course, you're a bit disappointed, I think that's human," said the former international ahead of BVB's away game at RB Leipzig on Saturday on pay-TV channel Sky: "But then you get over it and I'm happy for Lars."
In place of Kehl, young talent director Lars Ricken will be responsible for the sporting side of the eight-time German champions from May, taking over from Hans-Joachim Watzke. "Lars is a real Borussian, we've known each other for many years, played soccer together and have worked together very trustingly over the last few years," said Kehl about his former team-mate: "I hope it will be a lot of fun."
When asked, Kehl confirmed that he was not thinking about changing clubs. "That doesn't play any role for me at the moment," said the 44-year-old, who has been BVB's sporting director since July 2022: "I'm having far too much fun here in this role, we currently have far too many great goals." The team concept is above all else, "and I personally subordinate myself to that. In the end, it's all about the interests of Borussia Dortmund, and I totally identify with this task, with this club. That's why I'm moving on."
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