Sammer: 'Right' for Dortmund and Kehl to part ways after 'friction'
Matthias Sammer, Borussia Dortmund consultant and TV pundit speaks during an interview ahead of the UEFA Champions League soccer match between FC Bologna and Borussia Dortmund at Renato dallZAra. Sammer has described the club's decision to remove sporting director Sebastian Kehl as logical in light of developments in recent months. Fabio Sasso/dpa Borussia Dortmund adviser Matthias Sammer has described the club's decision to remove sporting director Sebastian Kehl as logical in light of developments in recent months.
"I think it was right to part ways. Both parties were no longer that close to each other," Sammer said on Sky's talk format Sammer & Basile - der Hagedorn-Talk. Kehl and the club had "worked each other over a bit," he said.
Former Germany international Kehl had worked for almost a quarter of a century at the club as a player and official. Dortmund have recruited Nils-Ole Book from second division side Elversberg as his successor. "Sometimes the time comes when it no longer fits and points of friction arise.
It is the right decision for everyone involved. The club had the opportunity to make a change," stressed Sammer, who has worked as an external adviser for the Bundesliga club since 2018. Sammer also had a tip for Kehl.
"Sebastian should catch his breath a bit now. He will find a good position," the 58-year-old added. Sammer called the recruitment of Kehl's successor Book a "fantastic idea.