Borussia Dortmund have dismissed Nuri Sahin as head coach after just seven months, following a 2-1 defeat to Bologna on Tuesday night.

The former Dortmund and Real Madrid midfielder entered the match under significant pressure, with his team struggling in the Bundesliga and facing elimination from the Champions League group stage.

According to reports from Sky Germany and Bild, Sahin was relieved of his duties on Tuesday night, with players and staff informed of the decision at the team hotel in Bologna.

In a club statement, Dortmund sporting director Lars Ricken said:
“We value Nuri Sahin and his work very much. We hoped for a long-term collaboration and believed in a turnaround until the end. However, after four consecutive defeats and just one win in the last nine games, leaving us tenth in the Bundesliga, we lost faith in achieving our sporting goals. This decision was painful but necessary.”

Following the loss, Sahin acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his future, saying:
“If I am the problem and a coaching change solves everything, then so be it. We need results, and the reality is we’ve lost four matches in a row. This is about Borussia Dortmund, not me.”

In the statement announcing his dismissal, the 36-year-old added:
“Unfortunately, we have not met Borussia Dortmund’s sporting ambitions this season. I wish this special club all the best.”

Sahin’s tenure ends with the club sitting mid-table in the Bundesliga and falling short of expectations in European competitions.