Erik ten Hag Nears Return to Management with Borussia Dortmund

• Erik ten Hag has been unemployed since his sacking by Manchester United in October.
• The Dutch coach has been frequently spotted at Borussia Dortmund matches.
• Dortmund could appoint Ten Hag this week, depending on the result of their Champions League clash.

Dortmund’s Struggles Open Door for Ten Hag
Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly a strong contender to take over at Borussia Dortmund. According to Sky Sports Germany, the Bundesliga club could turn to Ten Hag if they fail to secure a positive result against Bologna in their Champions League group stage clash on Tuesday night.

Dortmund, last season’s beaten Champions League finalists, have endured a turbulent campaign under Nuri Şahin. The Turkish coach, who took over in the summer, has struggled to maintain consistency, leaving the club languishing in the bottom half of the Bundesliga table.

The Ruhr-based outfit won just one of their final five matches before the winter break and have opened 2025 with three consecutive defeats. Despite their domestic woes, Dortmund are still in contention to progress to the Champions League knockout stages.

Ten Hag’s Bundesliga Connection

Ten Hag’s prior experience in German football could play a pivotal role in Dortmund’s decision-making. The Dutchman coached Bayern Munich’s second team between 2013 and 2015, earning valuable insight into the Bundesliga.

Having been without a managerial role since his departure from Manchester United in October, Ten Hag has been a regular presence at Dortmund matches this season, fueling speculation about his potential appointment.

While his availability makes him an attractive candidate, Dortmund may opt for an interim solution before attempting to secure Sebastian Hoeneß from Stuttgart.

Hoeneß in Dortmund’s Long-Term Plans?
Stuttgart’s head coach, Sebastian Hoeneß, has also emerged as a target for Dortmund. The 42-year-old guided Stuttgart to a remarkable second-place finish last season and has kept them in the Bundesliga’s top four this campaign.

Although Stuttgart are unlikely to release Hoeneß mid-season, his contract reportedly includes a release clause worth €7-8m, which Dortmund could activate in the summer.