by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- Nico Schlotterbeck has learned to live with most of his family being Bayern Munich fans.
Reports say the 26-year-old defender takes jibes at family reunions in a sportive manner and gently strikes back.
Despite the defender's leading role for his club Borussia Dortmund, Bayern's rival over the past years, this year's Christmas holiday reunion might be dominated by talks about the German international's future due to his contract expiring in 2027.
While the defender said he is demanding a competitive squad capable of winning titles, the Black and Yellows' last-16 Cup defeat against Leverkusen (1-0) might influence his decision, as rumors mention Bayern Munich's interest alongside other European teams.
Schlotterbeck's mood seemed to have hit rock bottom this Tuesday evening. Like most of the 80,000 spectators, he left in deep frustration after saying, "I am restlessly devastated."
While Dortmund is most likely heading for its fifth season without a title, the national championship and the UEFA Champions League seem out of reach, the 2024 Champions League finalist is facing turbulent waters.
CEO Lars Ricken, a member of the 1997 Champions League-winning squad, only a few days ago demanded silverware soon and said that lifting the 2026 German Cup is a desired goal.
While coach Niko Kovac praised his team's performance, captain Emre Can missed "the final greediness."
"We have done a lot in this game, created chance after chance, but in the end failed," the German international said.
Coach Kovac tried to ease tensions, praising his team's achievements as the national league's third and progress in the 2025/26 Champions League campaign (sixth place after five games).
"We have been among the best scoring teams," the 54-year-old said while facing criticism for a too reluctant game style.
The Cup opportunity has been lost, and new goals need to be established that reflect the ambitions of fans, players, and clubs.
Schlotterback said he needs a few days to recover from the recent defeat, "as we can't fix it in the next games." He called the games against Leverkusen the season's most important ones.
By winning the league duel, it seems the BVB has chosen "the wrong one" when it comes to silverware and Nico Schlotterbeck's signature. ■
