ADRIAN KAJUMBA: Edin Terzic learned the ropes under Jurgen Klopp and Slaven Bilic… Now Dortmund’s boss and lifelong fan is ready to take down Newcastle again

• Newcastle will take on Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday in the Champions League 
• But Edin Terzic is ready to complete another victory against Eddie Howe’s side 
• CHRIS SUTTON: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is a CLOWN – It’s All Kicking Off 

When Borussia Dortmund blew the Bundesliga title on the final day of last season, the disappointment was felt back at their manager Edin Terzic’s former club West Ham.

‘He’s got a love for that club that is pretty similar to me at West Ham,’ former Hammers captain and now sporting director Mark Noble said of Dortmund fan-turned-boss Terzic.

‘It means a little bit more to him. The losses will mean more, the wins will mean more. He probably doesn’t get much sleep at night thinking about it.

‘I was gutted when they didn’t win the league, for him, because it would have been pretty special.’

Dortmund’s 2-2 draw against Mainz saw them miss out on a first league title since 2012 on goal difference, opening the door for Bayern Munich to become champions again. 

Edin Terzic’s side are hoping to bounce back following their 4-0 defeat to Bayern Munich on Saturday

Dortmund will welcome Eddie Howe’s Newcastle to the Signal Iduna Park in the Champions League on Tuesday night

But Terzic recently masterminded a 1-0 victory against the Magpies at St James’ Park  

Terzic’s side suffered at the hands of their old rivals again on Saturday, as Harry Kane’s hat-trick inspired Bayern to a 4-0 win in Der Klassiker, Dortmund’s first league loss of the season.

But Newcastle will know what Terzic and his side are capable of after Eddie Howe’s side were subdued at St James’ Park by Dortmund last month in a manner few visiting sides have managed.

Dortmund’s eye-catching performance in the 1-0 win masterminded by Terzic may not have surprised those who worked with him as a young coach at West Ham.

‘I am sure he will be one of the most prominent coaches in Europe,’ former West Ham manager Slaven Bilic once predicted.

In 2012, Bilic first tried but failed to tempt Terzic — a scout and academy coach reporting to Jurgen Klopp back then — to join him at Lokomotiv Moscow. Terzic eventually became Bilic’s assistant at Besiktas and West Ham.

He first impressed Bilic with his analysis of Croatia’s group-stage opponents Ireland at Euro 2012. Bilic did not forget and trusted Terzic, letting him lead sessions, speak in team meetings and even ghostwrite interviews for him.

Noble remembers a few things about Terzic too. Terzic saying he knew he wanted to coach after a playing career that may not have hit the heights but saw him score regularly in Germany’s fourth division.

Terzic showing he still had it by joining in training many times. The youth and enthusiasm he brought to the backroom staff.

Terzic commanding respect despite being just 32 when he joined West Ham, because of his work rate and will to improve players and the team. A Terzic crossing and finishing warm-down drill is another fond memory.

But what especially sticks with Noble was Terzic’s insatiable passion for football. ‘Everything about it,’ he said. ‘You could tell straight away he was obsessed.

‘After games we would sit and talk on the pitch for hours about formations, the way we played, how we can get better. You knew he would be successful because he loved the game so much.

‘A lot of people who work or play in football don’t really enjoy the game because of the pressures. But you could tell he was one that loved everything that comes with it. He wanted to be really successful and help people. When he went back to Dortmund it didn’t surprise me and it didn’t surprise me how well he’s done.’

Terzic started his coaching career working as a scout and assistant manager under Jurgen Klopp at Dortmund 

He went on to join Slavan Bilic as his assistant coach at West Ham in August 2015 

In recent years he has enjoyed much success with Dortmund, notably guiding the side to German Cup glory during the 2020-21 season

Terzic also boasts an excellent home record with Dortmund, having lost two games at the Signal Iduna Park since taking charge

Terzic won the German Cup and secured qualification for the Champions League during his interim spell in the 2020-21 season. Reappointed in the summer of 2022, he can also boast a Bundesliga points-per-game record bettered only by Pep Guardiola and Hansi Flick, and more points than any of Dortmund’s top-flight rivals in 2023.

Of greater concern to Newcastle is that Dortmund have lost just twice at home since Terzic took over permanently last summer. After the title miss, he has picked his shattered squad up off the floor and a new sense of togetherness has been fostered.

Terzic has also lifted Dortmund despite losing stars such as Jadon Sancho, Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham and Manuel Akanji.

‘It’s nice to see him doing well,’ added Noble, who is planning a visit to Germany to see Terzic. ‘I texted him before the Mainz game saying good luck but everything happens for a reason. Losing the title won’t take his hunger away, I’m sure of that.’

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