The new coach has arrived! "I'm proud to have the opportunity to work for such a big club," said Peter Bosz at a swiftly organised press conference, before adding: "The Yellow Wall is legendary." However, the media representatives in attendance were unable to coax the 53-year-old Dutchman into making any major announcements: Bosz was friendly and polite but remained pleasantly reserved as he fielded their questions.

"I want to be successful and play good football," said Bosz, who continued: "We're yet to discuss the right objectives." First of all, he wants to get to meet the team starting on 7 July. "Only by working with the players on a daily basis can you get to know them."

Peter Bosz sat between Hans-Joachim Watzke and Michael Zorc on the podium, and it was immediately clear that the trio had hit it off. "From the start we had a good feeling that we can build something together and we're looking forward to the years ahead," commented Watzke. In reference to their first meeting, which lasted for approximately three hours, Bosz said. "It convinced me that this should be the next step for me. It gave me a good feeling. It was a respectful discussion. It convinced me that we'll be able to work very well together."

Zorc added: "Fresh offensive football, attractive and attacking, and a distinctive structure when we have possession: combining all of those aspects is what sets his football philosophy apart. Peter is willing to immerse himself in the club and to resort to tried-and-tested structures that have proven their worth in addition to his own ideas." He added: "He has shown that he likes to work with talented youngsters and that he's not scared of using them in important games. That's also a perfect fit for our strategy."

Watzke thanked Ajax, who had been "very cooperative and cordial" in the negotiations and did not want to prevent the "very successful coach from making the move to BVB". Hendrie Krüzen, Bosz's long-term assistant coach, will join him in Dortmund.
Boris Rupert