He expressed his conviction that the team is now better prepared to endure the challenges of the upcoming season.
In the closing stages of the 2022/23 campaign, Dortmund came agonizingly close to clinching their first Bundesliga title since 2012. Despite holding a two-point lead over Bayern Munich heading into the final matchday, their hopes were dashed as a 2-2 draw at home against Mainz, combined with a last-minute victory for Bayern in Cologne, resulted in them narrowly losing out on the league crown due to goal difference.
Though it took time for the realization to set in, Terzic believes that the heartbreak of narrowly missing the title can serve as a powerful driving force as his team embarks on the quest for the Meisterschale in the 2023/24 season. Their campaign commences with a home fixture against Cologne on Saturday.
bundesliga.com: Reflecting on last season, there were numerous events. Have you had the opportunity to process it all?
Edin Terzic: “Certainly, the past year has been eventful. There have been predominantly positive occurrences, though a few moments presented challenges. On the whole, I believe we’ve taken significant steps forward. As a team, particularly in the latter half of the season, we underwent notable growth, and we found gratification in that progress. Regrettably, it didn’t culminate in a favorable outcome. Nevertheless, when taking a comprehensive view of our journey—considering where we originated, the obstacles we confronted during the previous summer—by this, I refer not only to player illnesses but also the transfers we needed to accommodate and the comprehensive overhaul, I must acknowledge that our advancement might have transpired more swiftly than initially anticipated.”
bundesliga.com: Did you feel the necessity to take a breather following the season’s conclusion?
Terzic: “Absolutely, yes. It’s worth mentioning that this year brought with it a few more strands of grey hair, and the emotional intensity was remarkable. Especially in the latter phases. I believe, after every season, it’s crucial to allocate time for recuperation and contemplation. This process holds importance and is indispensable. This year, in particular, was distinctive; with the winter World Cup, there was already a notable hiatus during the winter months. Nonetheless, when the conclusion of the season becomes so emotionally charged and dramatic, there arises a strong inclination to momentarily set aside football.”
By – Sahiba Suri