New Borussia Dortmund sporting director Ole Book to look for young gems in new transfer approach
Ole Book, the man known for discovering the likes of Nick Woltemade at Elversberg in Bundesliga 2, has outlined his aims upon starting his new job as Borussia Dortmund's sporting director.
Book, who has succeeded Sebastian Kehl in the role, was asked at his official presentation on Wednesday how his knack for discovering the likes of Woltemade and Younes Ebnoutalib in Bundesliga 2 would translate to one of the Bundesliga's leading lights.
"Good footballers are good footballers regardless of the league they play in," he said. "Of course, the standard is different, but I know the Bundesliga and Dortmund well. At the end of the day, it's about what fits the team and the style of play the coach wants.
"We want to work closely together to find gems who will help the club. The approach will be very similar, though I now have additional resources in scouting and analysis."
Watch: The best of Nick Woltemade in the Bundesliga
While Book suggested he would be eager to attract young talents to Dortmund, he made it clear he would not abandon the thinking that has seen the club develop an experienced spine either.
"The most important thing is the success of the team and of Dortmund," the 40-year-old said. "This applies to the short, medium, and long term. I feel responsible for all perspectives and want to do justice to all of them. Therefore, it shouldn't be expected that we are only looking for the youngest players in the world, but it is an important element for our development."
Watch: Book assists Reus in his playing days
Lars Ricken, the club's managing director for sport, explained that a mix of experience and youth is envisaged for the team at which youngsters like Jobe Bellingham, Carney Chukwuemeka and Luca Reggiani have developed this season.
"We won't be fielding an under-21 team in the future," he said. "We have fantastic players in our youth academy, but they will need the necessary time to reach their potential. It's important to have a two-pronged strategy with experienced players whom the young players can learn from and develop under."
Book also spoke about his positive first impressions of coach Niko Kovač, who has taken Dortmund to second in the Bundesliga, nine points behind leaders Bayern Munich currently: "I spoke to Niko on the phone for the first time yesterday. I have a good feeling about it, and I also believe he’s looking forward to working together."
Dortmund resume after the international break with a trip to third-place VfB Stuttgart on Matchday 28 on Saturday 4 April (kick-off 6.30pm CEST).
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