Ricken confirms: Tullberg will also coach BVB against Heidenheim

Borussia Dortmund continues its search for a permanent head coach, but in the meantime, Mike Tullberg will remain at the helm for at least one more game.

In response to an inquiry from the German Press Agency, BVB board member Lars Ricken confirmed that Tullberg would lead the team in their upcoming Bundesliga clash against 1. FC Heidenheim. His continued tenure as interim coach is independent of Dortmund’s performance in their final Champions League group stage match against Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday, where the club still has a chance to secure direct qualification for the Round of 16. Despite the importance of the European fixture, club officials have made it clear that they are not rushing the coaching decision, ensuring they find the right fit before making any permanent appointment.

Tullberg, who previously served as Borussia Dortmund's U-19 coach, was initially appointed as an interim solution following the abrupt dismissal of Nuri Sahin last week. At first, he was only expected to oversee the Bundesliga fixture against Werder Bremen, but after a 2-1 victory, the club decided to extend his role to include the crucial Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk. Shortly after the Bremen win, Ricken expressed confidence in the Danish coach’s ability to lead the squad, stating, "We are taking the necessary time to assess our options. I believe we are currently in an excellent position with Mike because he connects well with the players." This endorsement suggested that Dortmund saw no immediate need to rush into appointing a permanent manager, giving Tullberg an opportunity to prove himself at the senior level.

Sporting director Sebastian Kehl reinforced the club’s stance, emphasizing that Borussia Dortmund would make "the right decision when we are ready." He added, "Until then, Mike Tullberg has our full trust." With the coaching search still ongoing and no agreement reached with a long-term candidate, it was widely expected that Tullberg would also remain in charge for the Heidenheim match. However, whether he will continue beyond that remains uncertain, as Dortmund’s leadership remains committed to bringing in an external coach to permanently succeed Sahin.

The appointment of Tullberg has sparked discussions among fans and pundits about the possibility of internal promotions within the club. Ricken, who has played a key role in Dortmund’s youth development, acknowledged that he values promoting talent from within. "I am a big fan of giving opportunities to those from within the club when they perform well," he said on the day Sahin was dismissed. However, he tempered expectations by admitting that "in our current situation, we need external input." His comments indicate that while Dortmund appreciates the work Tullberg has done, they are still actively searching for an experienced coach to take over on a long-term basis.

Despite the ongoing search, Tullberg’s extended tenure as interim head coach has given him a chance to showcase his ability to manage at the top level. The Danish coach has earned praise for his tactical flexibility and his ability to communicate effectively with the squad. Under his leadership, Borussia Dortmund secured a hard-fought win against Bremen and showed promising signs ahead of their Champions League encounter with Shakhtar Donetsk. If he can continue to deliver results, Dortmund may reconsider their stance on external hires and give serious thought to keeping him in charge until at least the end of the season.

While speculation continues over who will eventually take the reins, BVB’s coaching search remains complex. Several names have been linked to the position, but negotiations have not yet resulted in a final agreement. The club is reportedly in discussions with multiple candidates, but finding the right fit both in terms of tactical philosophy and long-term vision has proven to be a challenge. Should Dortmund fail to finalize a deal with their preferred candidates soon, Tullberg could remain in charge beyond the Heidenheim match, potentially leading the team through the crucial stages of the Bundesliga and Champions League campaigns.

As things stand, Borussia Dortmund’s leadership is focused on stability and ensuring a smooth transition. While the club continues its search for a permanent manager, Tullberg will look to capitalize on the opportunity, guiding the team through what could be a defining period in their season. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining not only the club’s European ambitions but also the long-term direction of the coaching staff. Whether Tullberg remains a temporary figure or emerges as a more permanent option remains to be seen, but for now, he will continue to lead Dortmund as they navigate their immediate challenges in both domestic and European competitions.