Sahin assertive in defense of Can and others: “I'll walk through the fire for my boys.”

Ever since then BVB trainer Edin Terzic took him off the pitch early on the first match-day of the 2023/24 campaign, serious questions about the sporting abilities of 30-year-old German international Emré Can. The one-time Liverpool star has essentially been in free-fall ever since taking on the task of donning the BVB armband.

After initially being dropped from the German national team by newly-appointed Bundestrainer Julian Nagelsmann at this point last year, Can has returned to the German Nationalmannschaft. Earlier in current BVB trainer Nuri Sahin’s reign this year, it appeared as if Can’s solid midfield partnership with Pascal Groß could potentially revive his career.

Recent performances nevertheless seem to suggest otherwise. Two error-riddled league performances against Union Berlin and FC St. Pauli led to Sahin dropping Can from the lineup in Tuesday’s Champions’ League fixture. Can’s four goals across all competitions this year mean little as they were all scored from the spot. 

Sahin found himself in the position of defending his skipper at a Friday presser. In a lengthy response to a question concerning Can’s form, Sahin criticized the press for focusing on the squad captain and implored them to hold him personally responsible for team failures. Sahin wrapped up his long statement by insisting that this applied to all the BVB players under his aegis. 

“With him [Can], it’s not just about sporting performance at the moment,” Sahin said, “He knows that he can play better. He knows that he can defend better in certain situations. I’m aware of that too.” 

“Unfortunately, with him I have the feeling that it’s all about this constant doom-and-gloom,” Sahin continued, “We’re nevertheless taking stock of his sporting level.”

“He’s experienced enough,” Sahin emphasized, “He’s had a fantastic career. He’s our captain. I personally find him to be calm, but one has to understand what happens to someone when everything they do is perceived as negative.”

“I see him everyday,” Sahin went on, “I see him taking his responsibility to hold the team together seriously. He’s loved by the players and remains a very important presence in the locker room.” 

“It’s important that we travel this road together,” Sahin carried on, “I’d never throw one of my players under the bus. If you want to hold someone responsible, then look to me. I’m responsible as the head-coach.” 

“But I won’t allow it,” Sahin concluded, “Whether it’s Emré, Kjell [Wätjen], or Niklas Süle, who is also taking heat at the moment, it comes back to be. I’ll walk through the fire for my boys.”