Groß “very relaxed” despite Dortmund contract entering final year

The German international reflected on last season and his contract situation at the Westphalian club.

During the 2024/25 campaign, Borussia Dortmund looked set to miss out on European competition entirely as they lingered in 11th-place. 

Speaking to local media Ruhr Nachrichten, midfielder Pascal Groß reflected on what was undoubtedly the lowest point of BVB’s season.

“When we were eleventh after the defeat against Leipzig, it was really tough. A situation like that also affects everyday life.

“I’m someone who lives my job. It’s not like I go home laughing and am happy during such periods.

“It also makes family life more difficult,” said the veteran, which, among other things, ultimately cost head coach Nuri Sahin his job.

However, a spectacular recovery enabled Dortmund to climb back into the Champions League spots and secure 4th-place on the final matchday with a 3-0 win over Holstein Kiel.

Groß, now 34, is entering the final year of his contract which expires in summer 2026. Still, the German is “really very relaxed about the situation”. 

“I don’t want to extend my contract if the club feels it’s no longer a good fit. I’ll be the first to say, ‘Thank you very much, I enjoyed it’.

“I don’t want to be a burden. I want to help make a difference. If I no longer play a role, then I’d rather not have a contract and go somewhere else where I can help, or I’ll quit,” he said.