Dortmund fan Terzic now heading to the Champions League final as head coach: ‘Surreal’

NOS Football•today, 10:51

A year ago, Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic stood crying in front of the ‘Gelbe Wand’, the stand where the club’s fanatical fans stand. His team had lost the German national title just minutes before the end of the season. It couldn’t have been more painful. It would have been the first national title since 2012.

Then, in 2012, Terzic himself was still in the stands as one of those fans. The German of Croatian-Bosnian descent grew up in North Rhine-Westphalia, the state where Dortmund is also located. He has been a supporter of the club all his life.

Terzic after reaching the CL final: ‘Fans a little repaid’

“It feels surreal,” Terzic beamed after eliminating superpower Paris Saint-Germain. “It’s an emotional moment, and an extremely beautiful moment wunderschöne evening for us, the club, the city, the fans… I am very proud.”

Terzic immediately referred to missing out on the national title a year ago. “I would have liked to have had this feeling last year as well. The fans brought us a lot of comfort and love at a difficult moment. Fortunately, today we were able to repay that a little.”

The Dortmund of Ian Maatsen and Donyell Malen did not do that against the least opponent. Kylian Mbappé’s PSG, previously labeled as favorites in this diptych, was defeated 1-0 twice.

“It was a good joint performance,” said Terzic. “We also had a bit of luck with all the balls they hit the post and the crossbar. But in two matches we have deserved to advance to the final, if you win both times and keep a clean sheet.”

Terzic’s players agreed. Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel also spoke of an emotional evening. “A lot happened in the match. We had to defend a lot, but that is also our strength, especially in the Champions League. We were a bit lucky, but we also defended with a lot of passion.”

Defender Nico Schlotterbeck, in turn, mainly felt relief. “I felt a lot of pressure because I knew we had to deliver, but I’m happy that we are here with the win.”

Now the Champions League final awaits. Terzic is looking forward to it: “Dortmund at Wembley, sounds good,” he winked to the English TNT Sports.

The trainer will be hunting for the first Champions League trophy for Dortmund since 1997. At the time, Terzic was sitting in front of the television as a fifteen-year-old supporter. This year he has a front row seat as head coach.