Edin Terzic, Borussia Dortmund's coach, enters Wednesday's Champions League semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain with a newfound sense of job security, a far cry from the uncertainty he faced earlier in the season.
Dortmund's journey to the semifinals seemed improbable after their initial 2-0 loss to PSG, compounded by domestic setbacks that had Terzic's position under scrutiny, surviving a crisis meeting just before Christmas due to their improved Champions League performance.
Terzic's team topped their group, defeating formidable opponents like PSG and AC Milan, and progressed through the knockout stages with victories over PSV Eindhoven and Atletico Madrid, securing his position in Dortmund for the next season.
Terzic's narrative resonates deeply with Dortmund's hierarchy and fans alike. Born near Dortmund to parents who migrated from Yugoslavia, he grew up as a devoted fan of the club, attending his first game at the age of nine.
His journey from a lower-tier player to a scout for Dortmund in 2010, with brief stints elsewhere, culminated in his interim appointment as head coach in December 2020. Despite initially being succeeded by Marco Rose, Terzic's return to the helm on a permanent basis for the 2022-23 season was met with disappointment after narrowly missing out on the league title. Nonetheless, Dortmund's faith in him has been vindicated, especially in European competitions.
Terzic's influence extends beyond the touchline, as evidenced by the revitalization of England winger Jadon Sancho, who flourished under his guidance, returning to Dortmund on loan from Manchester United. Sancho's praise for Terzic's impact highlights the coach's ability to inspire belief and confidence in his players, evident in Dortmund's resurgence.
With players like Sancho and Julian Brandt expressing admiration for his coaching style and Dortmund's aspirations to emulate past successes under Jurgen Klopp, Terzic's leadership is pivotal as they face PSG with humility and determination, aiming to secure a spot in the Champions League final.
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