New wind for BVB: Paul Schaffran takes over young talent!

New wind for BVB: Paul Schaffran takes over young talent!

After the end of the era of Hans-Joachim Watzke near Borussia Dortmund, the club shows itself in a transformation process. Lars Ricken has now taken over the responsibility of the BVB boss and succeeded Watzke. His efforts include a comprehensive realignment, especially in the area of ​​youth promotion.

A central step in this restructuring was the appointment of Paul Schaffran as the new head of the youth performance center (NLZ). This decision was announced on April 25th. Schaffran, who has been working for Borussia Dortmund since 2021, has gone through various positions. Previously, he acted as "Head of Sports Science" and became "Head of Strategy and Development" in July 2023. His extensive experience now catapults him to the top of the youth work, which he will head from July 1, 2025.

The vision of the new NLZ manager

At 38, Paul Schaffran brings fresh ideas and innovative concepts into his new role. Lars Ricken described him as an "ideal line -up" for the management of the NLZ. Under Schaffran's leadership, new approaches such as organic banding are to be expanded. This method enables players to integrate players into training and play groups according to their physical development, instead of strictly orienting themselves to age groups. This could be of great importance in particular for the individual promotion of young talents.

Another aspect that Ricken emphasizes is Schaffran's participation in significant obligations, including that of Thomas Broich and Mathias Schiele. These obligations show that Schaffran is not only a strategic thinker, but also brought practical experience in talent seal and recruitment.

a strong commitment to the youth work

In his new position, Schaffran expressed gratitude for the trust that is shown to him. He emphasized his motivation to further develop the youth work of the association. "My goal is to bring optimally trained talents to professional football, ideally in front of the yellow wall in Signal Iduna Park," said Schaffran.

This realignment in the NLZ is in line with the ambitions of the entire club to shape a strong and successful future. With Lars Ricken and Paul Schaffran at the head of the youth work, Borussia Dortmund should be well positioned in order to continue to promote talents in the future and to use professional football.