Dortmund boss stabbed in back by former ally in dramatic ‘coup’

Robin Bairner

• 20 Dec 2023 11:37 GMT
• 3 min read

Borussia Dortmund’s dramatic breakdown continues, with the club facing a “coup” against head coach Edin Terzic emerging following a 1-1 Bundesliga draw against relegation candidates Mainz on Tuesday.

The fixture was Dortmund’s last of the first half of the campaign, which has been a thorough disappointment. Although BVB topped their Champions League group, they stand only fifth in the Bundesliga, 12 points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen, having played a game more.

And winless in their last four league matches, the pressure is building on Terzic.

Reus ‘ringleader’ against Terzic

Bild reports that Marco Reus is leading a coup against the head coach, whose presence in the dugout is a polarising one. It adds that the Germany star could face sever consequences.

Reus is a veteran of 11 seasons at Dortmund and was once considered to be close to the manager. However, spectacular reports from Germany have indicated that there is schism between the two.

“For weeks it has been leaking out almost daily from those close to the club that Reus is said to be one of the well-known ringleaders in an attempted coup against coach Edin Terzic. Reus of all people! Against his former ally Terzic of all people. Both original Dortmunders were long said to have a kind of blood brotherhood.,” the German tabloid reports.

It is said the low point in the relationship between the pair arrived at the weekend when Reus was taken out of the draw with Augsburg after 58 minutes. He gave the coach an impetuous no-look handshake as he departed the park.

“Despite previous ties between the two, Reus’ actions were seen as deliberate foul play and not an emotional act,” Bild states. “Terzic responded by benching Reus for the full match against Mainz.

“If Terzic has balls - and is allowed to muddle any further - he will also put Reus out of action for the rest of the season.”

With pressure mounting on the Dortmund boss, it is unlikely he lasts so long.