By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The uncertain future of key players and internal disciplinary issues within the team weigh on Borussia Dortmund's restart after the German winter break.
Ahead of the national league second-half season opener in Frankfurt this Friday evening, coach Niko Kovac held closed-door training sessions in Marbella, Spain, to tighten team bonds.
Outside observers have heard only commands delivered in a decisive tone over the past few days, while media headlines have reported tensions over disputed contract negotiations involving Nico Schlotterbeck, Karim Adeyemi, Emre Can, and Julian Brandt.
While German international Schlotterbeck hesitates to accept an extension offer until 2030, winger Adeyemi is reportedly considered a selling candidate due to disciplinary issues. The Westdeutsche Zeitung reports interest from several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Manchester United.
Sports director Sebastian Kehl is busy finalizing the planned team restructuring, with Schlotterbeck requesting a promising outlook and being mentioned as a potential Bayern Munich target. The midfielders Julian Brandt and Emre Can are expected to sign new contracts soon.
Since title chances appear to have disappeared after the team's German Cup exit, club leaders adjusted season goals and announced that finishing second behind Bayern is now Borussia Dortmund's new target.
Unexpected bad weather in Spain disrupted the restart, while tensions reached a new peak before the Frankfurt clash, fuelled by a Bild report alleging a 90,000-euro fine for Adeyemi.
TV pictures showed Kehl stopping Adeyemi from leaving after his substitution in the recent game against Gladbach. "He has accepted the fine," Kehl said.
Kovac complained about unrest affecting the club and fans despite "having won most games and having done a good job."
Being second in the league (32 points) ahead of rivals such as Leipzig and Leverkusen (both 29), along with the satisfying UEFA Champions League performance (11 points), supports Kovac's perspective.
The coach's pragmatic style has faced criticism, while Kovac asserts that he has improved his team's performance.
The coach demanded that the squad restructuring be completed as soon as possible to maintain a smooth atmosphere.
German international Waldemar Anton praised the vivid discussions in the locker room as helpful, "as it doesn't help to keep silent and swallow the emotions."
Schlotterbeck recently blamed the team's lack of spirit and cited quality gaps stemming from a sloppy attitude.
Both Anton and Schlotterbeck supported their coach, calling for a solid restart against Frankfurt, while Kovac mentioned a mental issue, "with us having done a lot of work in Spain." ■
