Sports
Dortmund’s Interim Coach Tullberg Demands Grit Ahead of Bremen Clash
DORTMUND, Germany — Borussia Dortmund‘s interim coach Mike Tullberg has issued a rallying cry to his players ahead of their Bundesliga clash against Werder Bremen on Saturday, demanding a performance fueled by grit and determination. The 39-year-old, who typically coaches the club’s U-19 team, was thrust into the spotlight following the dismissal of Nuri Sahin after a disappointing start to the year.
“We need no excuses, but players who are ready to march,” Tullberg said during a press conference on Friday. “If someone can’t run anymore, they should tell me, and I’ll substitute them. I can make five changes, so we’ll manage to keep marching for the entire game.”
Tullberg, who received the call to take charge late Tuesday night, emphasized simplicity and effort over tactical complexity. His immediate goal is to reignite the team’s fighting spirit after a run of four consecutive defeats, including a 2-1 loss to Bologna in the Champions League.
“We need a team that tears itself apart and plays with freedom,” he added. “The mix of lightness and fight will be our trump card.”
The Danish coach, who has been with Dortmund for six years, held his first team meeting on Wednesday, addressing not only the players but also the entire staff. “Sixty to seventy people were there,” he recalled. “We are one team, with the stadium, all together, and we will get it done tomorrow.”
Tullberg’s approach focuses on restoring confidence and energy to a squad that has struggled for consistency. “They haven’t forgotten how to play football,” he said. “With the ball, the boys have a natural feel. They are almost all national team players who know what to do instinctively.”
Defensively, Tullberg expects full commitment. “I want to see them sprinting, with drool in their mouths and a knife between their teeth,” he quipped, underscoring his demand for relentless effort.
Personnel-wise, Dortmund will be near full strength. Striker Serhou Guirassy, who was substituted with rib pain during the Bologna match, trained on Friday and is expected to be available. However, defender Waldemar Anton remains a doubt due to a recent injury, while Niklas Süle continues his recovery from a syndesmosis issue.
Tullberg, who previously turned down a move to Norwegian club Brann Bergen, is not viewing this interim role as an audition for the permanent position. “This is not about me,” he insisted. “My clear task is to take care of the team until Saturday and win.”
With Dortmund currently sitting 10th in the Bundesliga and seven points adrift of a Champions League spot, the stakes are high. A loss to Bremen could further dent their hopes of securing European football next season.
As for the long-term coaching situation, Dortmund has yet to announce a successor to Sahin. Names like Niko Kovač have been floated, but for now, the spotlight remains on Tullberg and his mission to steady the ship.