Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was recently crowned as the African Player of the Year following an impressive run of form in 2015. This has led to rumours about a swift departure from Dortmund like several other top players before him.
Over the years, the club has been in a constant state of decline due to the loss of several top players like Robert Lewandowski and Mario Gotze on a consistent basis. Some of the few remaining top names at Dortmund includeTuchel and Marco Reus. Even these players are thought to be contemplating leaving Dortmund in order to win trophies.
German football saw the rise of Dortmund a few years ago when they were managed by Jurgen Klopp. Despite being on a limited budget, Klopp managed to make Dortmund into title winners. Their success over perennial winners Bayern Munich was not achieved in just one campaign, but for several years. It has only been since the Champions League final loss in 2013 that they have been in a decline. Despite rumours surrounding the future ofAubameyang, manager Thomas Tuchel claims that the player will not be leaving in January. The 26-year-old African has contributed an astonishing 38% of the goals scored by Dortmund this season.
He has 28 in 21 appearances for club and country so far. Losing him will be a significant step backwards for Dortmund.”We have not considered Aubameyang’s departure for a single second. He is a pillar for us and we have big plans for him. There is no debate on him at all.Regarding Neven I can say we need him as a part of this team. He has played for us twice in the league, we won twice and conceded only one goal. He is a part of my plans,” said Tuchel as the winter break approaches its end.