Liverpool had so many options available to them when they looked to replace Jurgen Klopp last summer.
Faced with one of the biggest decisions in the club’s history, the Reds had to consider all avenues.
In the end, the slightly left-field choice to go with Arne Slot has certainly paid off. The Dutchman has been a revelation at Anfield.
However, things were not pre-destined to go well. Like Arsenal did when hiring Mikel Arteta in 2019, Liverpool could have gone down the route of hiring a young, former player.
Xabi Alonso was the obvious choice in that regard, but the Spaniard is not the only former Red making waves in management.
A similarly cerebral midfielder during his playing days, Nuri Sahin looked to be a smart appointment at Borussia Dortmund. But 27 matches into his reign at Westfalenstadion, Sahin has now been sacked.
Nuri Sahin given the boot by Borussia Dortmund
With the former Turkey international still only 36, Dortmund were always taking a gamble by appointing Sahin.
However, he did have over two years of experience managing Turkish Super Lig side Antalyaspor, so was not completely green at the gills.
Whatever the circumstances, Dortmund clearly expected better. And after the Black and Yellows lost to Bologna in the Champions League on Tuesday – their fourth defeat on the spin – they have made the decision to fire Sahin.
The former Real Madrid man – who made 12 appearances for Liverpool – was in charge for just 27 matches.
And with Dortmund sitting 10th in the Bundesliga and 13th in the Champions League table, it is not a surprise to see Sahin relieved of his duties.
“Unfortunately, we have not managed to live up to Borussia Dortmund’s sporting ambitions this season,” said the Turk in a statement released by Dortmund. “I wish this special club all the best.”
Erik ten Hag lined up at Borussia Dortmund
Dortmund and Liverpool have always felt to have had something of a special connection.
The two clubs of course share the same anthem – You’ll Never Walk Alone – and the Jurgen Klopp factor has of course strengthened that feeling of kinship since 2015.
| Games | Won | Drawn | Lost |
| 27 | 12 | 4 | 11 |
However, Dortmund’s next move will do nothing to reinforce that feeling, with German journalist Florian Plettenberg reporting on Monday that former Man United boss Erik ten Hag is a strong candidate to replace Sahin.
“Despite other reports, Erik ten Hag remains a candidate for Borussia Dortmund should Nuri Sahin be dismissed,” Plettenberg says on X.
A real shame for Nuri, let’s hope he can get his managerial career back on track with another job coming along soon.
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