Elversberg's Book to begin new chapter at Dortmund as deal agreed
SV Elversberg sporting director Nils-Ole Bookspeaks at an interview ahead of the German second Bundesliga soccer match between 1. FC Magdeburg and SV Elversberg at Avent Arena. SV Elversberg sporting director Nils-Ole Book joined Borussia Dortmund on Monday to replace Sebastian Kehl and penned a deal until 2029.
Andreas Gora/dpa SV Elversberg sporting director Nils-Ole Book joined Borussia Dortmund on Monday to replace Sebastian Kehl and penned a deal until 2029. Kehl surprisingly left with immediate effect on Sunday after 24 years as a player and club official at the Bundesliga's second-placed side. Book, 40, has led modest Elversberg from the fourth to the second tier and the brink of the Bundesliga.
His work with the Saarland team prompted admirers across the German game, where the role of sporting director between the board and the coach is common and seen as powerful, especially with regards to transfers. Now Dortmund have swooped. "With Ole Book, we have been able to bring our preferred candidate for the position of sporting director to Dortmund," Lars Ricken, Dortmund's managing director for sport, said in a statement.
"I have been following his excellent work in Elversberg, first as sporting director and most recently as director of sport, for a long time and am absolutely convinced that Ole is a very good fit for us professionally and personally. " Book will work closely with Dortmund coach Niko Kovač, who has enjoyed a successful Bundesliga season with his side only losing twice. They are still nine points behind leaders Bayern Munich.
"Borussia Dortmund are one of the biggest clubs in Europe and I am very pleased to be able to commit myself fully to the project. I want to play my part in ensuring that Dortmund have a successful future," Book said. "Borussia Dortmund are a special club for me, with an emotional connection since childhood.