Frustration in Dortmund ranks after Schlotterbeck booed

Frustration in Dortmund ranks after Schlotterbeck booed

The centre-back, who had only just finalised a long-term commitment to the club after ending contract negotiations on Friday, was met with isolated whistles - reportedly linked to speculation over a release clause in his new deal. The reaction quickly became a talking point after the match, with several figures inside the club stepping forward to defend the defender.

Teammate Waldemar Anton did not hold back in his assessment when speaking to DAZN, making clear the squad’s disappointment at hearing jeers aimed at one of their own:

“No one deserves to be booed. Especially not here in our own stadium; that’s just unacceptable,” he said after the 0-1 defeat. “It hurts us as a team, everyone in the stands needs to know that. Personally, and we as a team, can’t accept it; it’s outrageous!”

Head coach Niko Kovač echoed that stance, calling for togetherness rather than division:

“That’s not possible. We are a team, we want to be successful. Of course, everyone can keep their disappointment to themselves, we want to stick together.”

The club’s hierarchy also moved to address the situation. Managing director Carsten Cramer criticised the reaction from the stands while stressing the importance of backing the team:

“As someone in charge, it doesn’t feel right to me, and therefore I have to say that it’s unacceptable for a Borussia Dortmund player, and that certainly applied to Nico, to be booed,” he said. “He’s a Borussia Dortmund player who identifies with us. That’s just not right.”

Cramer added: “Players wearing the Borussia Dortmund jersey deserve support the moment they step onto the pitch. We are a community. We signed a contract together.” There is “absolutely no reason” for booing.

Amid the noise, reports continue to circulate around the details of Schlotterbeck’s new contract, including the existence of a release clause - believed to be in the region of €50-60 million and valid for selected top clubs. Sporting director Ole Book declined to confirm those details ahead of kick-off.

Midfielder Julian Brandt offered a more measured take, pointing to the impact of heavy media coverage on the situation:

“Nico can assess all of this well. There’s been an extreme amount of reporting, which makes it difficult. Especially when things are being spread that aren’t true. It’s almost impossible to please everyone. He’s a very respected player in the team. It’s sensational for the club that they managed to pull it off. He simply has to concentrate on what he does best.”

While the defeat itself was a setback, the reaction from the stands - and the strong response it provoked internally - has added an extra layer of tension that Dortmund will be keen to move past quickly.