Story
Schlotterbeck is raring to go: “We can accomplish a lot with the team!”
Nico Schlotterbeck is back at Borussia Dortmund. After his long injury layoff, the 26-year-old wants to quickly regain the status as a key player that he had before. In an interview, Schlotterbeck says of his return to the field: “It’s a great feeling. Above all, it really lifts my spirits. When I’m injured, I’m not exactly in the best of moods. That’s why I’m incredibly happy to be back on the practice field every day and, above all, to be able to play in games again. I really missed the lads, too!”
Before his comeback last Saturday against Paderborn, then, it wasn’t nervousness but euphoria that prevailed: “I was really looking forward to it. After all, football is kind of an addiction for us, and I missed playing in front of the fans again, in a big stadium, and just having fun playing football. That’s why I didn’t feel any tension this time—just anticipation for the game.”
Schlotterbeck is honest: “Extremely tough”
As great as Schlotterbeck’s joy is at his return, the injury he suffered during the German national team’s World Cup group stage match against Ivory Coast hit him just as hard. The center back described the period immediately following his exit from the World Cup as “extremely tough” and his “toughest time in football so far.”
During the long rehabilitation phase in July and August—which he spent largely alongside BVB captain Emre Can, who was also injured (torn cruciate ligament)—Schlotterbeck had one goal in mind above all else: “To come back as quickly as possible so I can give the team my style of play and stability again.”
The defender is thrilled with Borussians’ performance so far in the 2026–27 season: “It’s always good to have that sense of euphoria at the start of the season because it gives the team a lot more self-confidence. We got off to a good start to the season with that great first half against Hamburg. That also immediately gives the fans a good feeling about the season. We’ve won three out of three games in the Bundesliga and won in the DFB Cup and the UEFA Champions League. Things could be worse. We now want to stay on track to play very successful football.”
Schlotterbeck describes the atmosphere within the team as “very good” following the successful start to the season. Speaking about the roster and the new faces on the team, the number 4 says: “The mood is good. Players who maybe didn’t play as much last year are now stepping up. The new signings who’ve joined us are all top-tier. Just take Joane Gadou, for example, playing next to me in central defense—he’s truly world-class! I’m really excited and I also feel that we can achieve a lot with the team!”
As early as Saturday, in the away game against VfB Stuttgart, Schlotterbeck wants to make another strong statement with his Black and Yellows: “Hopefully we’ll stay in the flow! We’ll have to endure some tough moments in Stuttgart. They’re a possession-oriented team that does that very well. Last year we won 2–0 there, but if we’re honest, we didn’t play that well. We want to change that this year. Still, the result is what counts most. We’re brimming with confidence, have learned valuable lessons from last year, and have a solid game plan to hopefully win the match.”
Selection for the DFB National Team
Following his comeback in a Borussia Dortmund jersey, a new chapter is also beginning for Nico Schlotterbeck with the German national team. The new national team coach, Jürgen Klopp, had already reached out to him during his rehabilitation and called him up to the Nations League squad on Thursday. Klopp reportedly assured Schlotterbeck in direct conversations that he “definitely” plans to include him.
The national team coach has named the Dortmund player to the squad for the entire international break. “I’m really looking forward to it. He’s ushering in a new era, and I hope it’s a successful one!” Speaking about his new national team coach, he said: “His track record here in Dortmund and in Liverpool is really, really good.”
Schlotterbeck Unveils His Own Fashion Collection
Schlotterbeck has also been making waves off the football field lately, namely with his first fashion collection, “Art Of Defense.” He reports receiving positive feedback from his teammates at BVB: “There was good feedback in the locker room! I gave Marcel Sabitzer, Emre Can, and Alex Meyer a whole outfit.” He’s also received positive feedback from friends and some fans.
From now on, Nico Schlotterbeck wants to deliver positive reactions and results—above all, on the field—and ideally as early as Saturday, when he travels to his native Swabian region to face VfB Stuttgart.