An era is coming to an end at Borussia Dortmund. After the resignation of Reinhard Rauball, Reinhold Lunow succeeds him as President. On the other hand, there is much less praise for the team.
When saying goodbye to his heart club, Reinhard Rauball fought back tears. The minute-long ovations of the members at the end of his long term as President of Borussia Dortmund visibly affected the lawyer.
Even though Reinhold Lunow was chosen as his successor, the 75-year-old was the focus of the Revierclub’s general meeting on Sunday.
“I had no intention of pursuing a career as a football official. But when I look back today, I can say: I feel very fortunate that I have been able to hold the most beautiful office in the world for so long,” commented the new honorary president of the Revierclub: “I’m grateful for every day in the service of BVB.”
era is coming to an end
With the retirement of the 75-year-old, an era comes to an end at the Revierclub. In his three terms of office from 1979 to 1982, 1984 to 1986 and 2004 to 2022 he led the club through difficult times. Especially when Borussia was threatened with bankruptcy in the 2004/05 season, he made a name for himself. When he appeared at the creditors’ meeting at Düsseldorf Airport, when he convinced the investors present of the proposed restructuring concept, he demonstrated great diplomatic skills.
Rauball’s work went far beyond BVB. From 2007 to 2019 he was league president and interim president of the German Football Association. “You were a shining example for me. As a person and as a Borusse you are a very, very big one,” said Managing Director Hans-Joachim Watzke.
Lunow, who was elected for three years by the around 1000 members present with only five abstentions and no dissenting votes, steps into a long shadow, but knows what he is letting himself in for. After all, the 69-year-old doctor has been a member of the BVB Supervisory Board since 2014 and has been Deputy President since November 2021. “When you succeed such a great president, the footsteps are very, very big. It is my duty to live up to this trust,” he said in his inaugural speech.
BVB professionals in the criticism
Watzke found fewer kind words for the BVB pros than for Rauball, who were warmly welcomed by the members despite a mixed Bundesliga season so far with sixth place after 15 games. “These two games were not what we expect from Borussia Dortmund. I was completely over the moon for two days,” complained the managing director, alluding to the team’s two defeats before the World Cup break in Wolfsburg (0:2) and Mönchengladbach (2:4).
Nevertheless, Watzke expressed their confidence in coach Edin Terzic and sports director Sebastian Kehl. “We will be successful with these two because they are top. I am 100 per cent convinced that we will qualify for the Champions League at the end of the season. If not, everyone has the right to criticize us.”
Sports Director Kehl, who appeared on crutches after knee surgery and has to forego the team’s upcoming nine-day trip to Asia, was combative: “Nothing is lost yet. We’ll step on the gas after the World Cup break. Sixth place can’t be claimed by be Borussia Dortmund.” The former BVB professional did not rule out transfers during the winter break: “We will do our homework and act if necessary.”
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
