Borussia Dortmund Extend Mike Tullberg's Interim Coaching Stint

Mike Tullberg will continue as Borussia Dortmund's interim coach for at least one more game, leading the team against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.

Borussia Dortmund's managing director, Lars Ricken, confirmed that Mike Tullberg will continue as the team's interim coach for at least one more game. Tullberg will be in charge when Dortmund face Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Wednesday, following the 2-2 draw against Werder Bremen.

Ricken explained that the decision to retain Tullberg was made prior to the Bremen game, with the intention of allowing him to focus solely on that match. “Mike will also be on the bench on Wednesday. That was actually clear before the game today,” Ricken stated. He added that his initial plan was to have Tullberg in charge only for the Bremen game, but the decision has now been extended.

ℹ️ Mike Tullberg will also coach BVB in the Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/RIUpQTHQMw

— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) January 25, 2025

When questioned about the possibility of Tullberg remaining in charge until the end of the season, Ricken sidestepped the issue. Instead, he emphasized the team's focus on the upcoming Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk. “We are now focusing on Donetsk. We have made clear statements about what the future looks like,” Ricken said.

Tullberg expressed his delight at the decision, stating that his primary goal is to help the club. “Of course, I'm happy. For me, it's about helping the club. We need to win games and stabilize the team. Until Wednesday. That's the only thing I can say about it,” Tullberg explained.

Ricken reflected on the 2-2 draw against Werder Bremen, acknowledging that the team's situation made the result disappointing. Dortmund had taken a 2-0 lead despite Nico Schlotterbeck's red card in the first half, only to see Werder Bremen equalize in a dramatic second half. “When you're leading 2-0 and given our situation, you think: If only we had won today. We got into the game really well. Then came the injury (to Felix Nmecha) and the red card. Bremen then came back into the game. But the boys gave it their all,” Ricken said.