Ex-Mainz coach, Tuchel, is Dortmund’s new boss

FORMER Mainz boss Thomas Tuchel will replace Jurgen Klopp as coach of Borussia Dortmund this summer, the Westphalian club have announced.

Klopp revealed on Wednesday that he would be leaving Dortmund at the end of the season, saying he no longer felt he was the right man to take them forward.

Tuchel, who took charge of Mainz a year after Klopp left the club to join Dortmund in 2008, has been out of work for a season having taken a break from the game.

He remains under contract with Mainz until the end of June, from which moment he will become the new head coach of Dortmund.

A Dortmund statement read: “The eight-time German champions Borussia Dortmund have appointed Thomas Tuchel as their new coach from July 1, 2015. The 41-year-old will receive a three-year contract.”

Tuchel led Mainz to two Europa League qualifications and their highest-ever Bundesliga placing before standing down last summer.

The 41-year-old had been linked with Barclays Premier League side Newcastle but Dortmund have moved swiftly to secure his services following Klopp’s announcement.

The club statement added: “Borussia Dortmund will present Thomas Tuchel officially in the week after the end of the season. BVB ask for understanding that there will be no comments made from anybody concerned at this time.”

Dortmund had looked in danger of being relegated from the Bundesliga earlier in the season but have turned things round and Saturday’s 3-0 win over Paderborn lifted them to within a point of seventh-placed Hoffenheim.