Borussia Dortmund has immediately parted ways with Sven Mislintat. Sporting director Lars Ricken personally informed the former Ajax technical director of the club's decision on Thursday.
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Sven Mislintat’s departure from Borussia Dortmund marks the end of yet another turbulent chapter in his career. The 52-year-old German, once hailed as one of Europe’s top scouts and recruitment specialists, has now seen two high-profile roles end in abrupt exits within a short span of time.
His dismissal from Dortmund follows his controversial stint at Ajax, where he lasted just over four months before being shown the door. His time in Amsterdam was marred by internal conflicts, particularly with then-head coach Maurice Steijn, whose own tenure was cut short soon after Mislintat’s departure.
Mislintat’s return to Borussia Dortmund in May 2023 was initially seen as a homecoming for a man who had played a crucial role in shaping the club’s recruitment strategy during his first spell from 1998 to 2007. During those years, he was instrumental in identifying and signing key players who would later become household names, contributing to Dortmund’s success both domestically and in Europe. His eye for talent had earned him a strong reputation, leading to high-profile stints at Arsenal, VfB Stuttgart, and eventually Ajax. However, his second spell at Dortmund failed to live up to expectations and ended in a bitter departure.
Reports from Germany suggest that Mislintat’s working relationship with Dortmund’s sporting director, Sebastian Kehl, had been strained for months. Insiders claim that Mislintat was viewed within the club as a highly opinionated and sometimes confrontational figure, unwilling to compromise on his ideas and decision-making. While such strong-willed determination is often an asset in football management, in Mislintat’s case, it reportedly led to clashes with senior figures at the club, ultimately resulting in his dismissal.
Former Dortmund head coach Nuri Şahin, who had recently stepped down from his role, was also said to have grown frustrated with Mislintat’s solitary approach to decision-making. According to German media, Şahin and others within the club hierarchy felt that Mislintat was operating too independently, making key personnel decisions without sufficient consultation. This approach, while effective in certain situations, may have created unnecessary tensions within Dortmund’s structure, making his position increasingly untenable.
Despite his dismissal, Mislintat did leave his mark on Dortmund’s transfer dealings, with one of his final moves being the acquisition of goalkeeper Diant Ramaj. The young German shot-stopper had previously been brought to Ajax by Mislintat before making a swift return to Germany, signing with Dortmund on Tuesday. However, rather than integrating him into the first-team squad immediately, Dortmund opted to send Ramaj out on loan to FC Copenhagen until the summer, a decision that suggests the club had been planning for a post-Mislintat era even before his departure was confirmed.
Mislintat’s exit raises broader questions about his future in football management. Once regarded as one of the best talent spotters in European football, his recent career moves have not lived up to expectations. At Arsenal, he struggled to exert the same level of influence that he had at Dortmund, and his tenure at VfB Stuttgart was marked by mixed results. His brief spell at Ajax was perhaps the most controversial, as his involvement in the club’s transfer dealings particularly in securing certain signings came under scrutiny. Allegations of conflicts of interest regarding his dealings with a particular agency further damaged his reputation in the Netherlands, leading to his early dismissal.
Now, with his departure from Dortmund, Mislintat finds himself at a crossroads. Will he seek another high-profile role at a European club, or will he take a step back to reassess his approach to management? Given his track record in scouting and player recruitment, there is little doubt that clubs will still be interested in his expertise. However, his next move may require him to adopt a more collaborative approach if he is to avoid the same pitfalls that have led to his recent exits.
For Borussia Dortmund, Mislintat’s departure represents a move towards stability. The club will now look to refocus its recruitment strategy under Sebastian Kehl and his team, ensuring that player acquisitions align with the long-term vision of the club. As Dortmund continues to compete at the highest level in both domestic and European competitions, a stable and unified approach to squad-building will be crucial in maintaining their competitive edge.
While Mislintat’s influence on modern football recruitment remains undeniable, his latest departure serves as a reminder that talent identification alone is not enough. Successful football management requires not just an eye for players but also an ability to navigate the complex dynamics of club politics, teamwork, and long-term strategy. As he reflects on his turbulent recent years, Mislintat will need to decide how he wants to shape the next chapter of his career whether as a lone-wolf operator or as part of a more structured footballing environment.
Updated: 03:31, 6 Feb 2025
