Watzke begins as BVB president with a damaged promise | EUROtoday

Savior, grasp maker, patron – and now additionally president. Hans-Joachim Watzke is Borussia and BVB is Watzke. Real love, true to the membership motto? It’s not fairly that straightforward.

Watzke has grow to be the topic of controversy in Dortmund. His election was thought of sure as there was no opposing candidate. The now changed Dr. Reinhold Lunow withdrew his candidacy after a public mudslinging with the long-time managing director. Watzke gained the ability battle, however misplaced many supporters.

Watzke makes the announcement – and does not follow it

Therefore, the BVB supporters used the presidential election as a lesson and a powerful slap within the face for his or her new chief. Of the 238,000 membership members, solely 4,476 took half within the election. 1,835, or 41 %, voted towards Watzke. He was visibly affected.

Before the assembly, the 66-year-old had introduced {that a} results of lower than 70 % would hardly be acceptable. He didn’t adjust to these necessities and accepted the election anyway.

He then spoke of humility in his reassuring speech and emphasised that he needed to be a president “for all Borussians”: “I would like to thank everyone who voted for me. I also express my respect to those who did not vote for me and accept the election.” There was additionally a public reconciliation with Lunnow.

Watzke is criticized by BVB followers

Reconciliation. That is the key phrase for the beginning of Watzke’s time period of workplace. Especially should you look south in Dortmund. There stands the yellow wall, the The membership’s figurehead. This wall has risen towards Watzke.

During his very long time at BVB, Hans-Joachim Watzke has survived many crises and maneuvered the membership via them. An impending chapter proper in the beginning of his work in 2005, the bomb assault on the workforce bus in 2017, the corona pandemic from 2020. Now he must be cautious that he himself doesn’t grow to be the main target of a disaster in Dortmund.