Borussia Dortmund head coach Nuri Sahin sacked after defeat to Bologna

Borussia Dortmund have parted ways with head coach Nuri Sahin following a 2-1 defeat to Bologna in the Champions League, marking the team’s fourth successive loss since returning from the winter break. The defeat left Dortmund in a precarious position, sitting tenth in the Bundesliga, 20 points behind leaders Bayern Munich after 18 games. The club’s poor form has extended to domestic competitions, with Dortmund also exiting the DFB Pokal in the second round after a defeat to Wolfsburg in October. The decision to part ways with Sahin was communicated to the team at their hotel in Italy on Tuesday night. Sahin and his staff departed separately, with the squad due to return to Germany on Wednesday. An emergency meeting was held the following morning to confirm the decision, although no successor has been appointed yet.Several potential candidates are already in the frame to replace Sahin, with notable names including Erik ten Hag, Roger Schmidt, and Sebastian Hoeneß. Ten Hag, currently at Manchester United, is said to be keen on the job but has made it clear that he would only consider a long-term contract. The Dutchman is not interested in stepping into a "firefighter" role to temporarily stabilise the club. Schmidt, most recently at Benfica, could potentially take the reins on a short-term, six-month contract. However, it is believed that he would not be the ideal fit for the club in the long run.<