It was a hashtag that quickly made a dent on social media last Friday amongst black and yellow fans, often accompanied by a quote of the 26-year-old Gabonese striker joyfully declaring that ‘every part of me wants to be here and I never wanted to leave’. Aside from the powerful signal Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s contract extension sends to the competition, it is also a big deal and testament to new coach Thomas Tuchel.
‘Auba’, as affectionately dubbed by fans, has prematurely extended his contract until 2020 this week. The prolific striker of Borussia Dortmund no longer requires an introduction, as most football fans that have witnessed the Dortmund side of late play will be able to name the incredibly speedy striker that non-stop chases down the ball and opponent with ease. It is that quality, next to his genuine light-heartedness, which somewhat surprisingly has made him become a huge fan favourite in just two years at Dortmund. Aubameyang, often perceived as flamboyant off the pitch, and Dortmund, a club renowned as hard-working and frugal, did not strike experts as a natural fit from the get-go, but the No.17 quickly squashed those concerns, scoring goals and giving his all whenever fielded. Throughout his debut season, he was able to net a respectable 16 times across all competitions. Not only did he manage to up that tally to 25 last season, but he also vowed to again surpass that mark in a recent preseason interview. In short, Aubameyang has become Mr. Indispensable in Dortmund’s attacking department.
The first big coup of the Tuchel-Era
By any account, this contract extension is accordingly significant. And while both old and new Borussia coach Juergen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel will shy away from these assertions, it does raise the question how likely this would have been under former boss Klopp. Aubameyang’s interview on club-tv channel bvbtotal suggests things are more on the side of highly unlikely. It comprises a laid back Pierre-Emerick, speaking in high terms of the new coach and the excitement that has returned to Westfalenstadion since his arrival.
His vision of the Tuchel era (notably his wording) contains Champions League football and the personal dream of reaching the final once again. Realistic or not, it seems the managerial landslide in Dortmund has allowed for the players to dare to dream again. Tuchel has received plenty of early praise from players – possibly more than he would like at this early point – and yet Aubameyang’s commitment and comments make him his standout advocate thus far. The effect Tuchel appears to have on his players cannot be overstated, considering his reputation certainly does not precede him. The fact that a man of little pedigree in the business is winning over his key players in such short time ought to excite BVB’s followers.
#Auba2020 proves Dortmund have learnt from past mistakes.
Not only does the extension make for a decent first battle cry this season, but it is more importantly evidence that the club’s player policy is finally maturing. Whilst undoubtedly pleasing for ever so often disillusioned fans, it is also a real winner in light of emerging transfer rumours linking Aubameyang to various Premier League sides. It is the second time – after the never ending Marco Reus rumours peaking early this year – that Dortmund quickly responded to them, putting pen to the long-term paper with said coveted player(s). The most obvious sign of Dortmund evolving, however, is the simple case that BVB ceased to grant release clauses, or allow for players to see out their contracts. The club has suffered emotionally (Mario Goetze) and financially (Robert Lewandowski) from those missteps and at last seek to learn from their shortcomings, which is also evidenced by management playing hardball in the case of Ilkay Guendogan. Aubameyang’s latest signature puts all transfer rumours to bed just in time for the new season, which goes to show that officials in Dortmund are not just more alert, but also less naïve than a few seasons back.
Invigorating the team and its possible knock-on effect
When Marco Reus extended his contract until 2019 in February, it visibly galvanised a shaken Dortmund side. With a key player like Aubameyang now following in his boots, a similar boost before the season gets in full swing can be expected. A vivacious and likeable protagonist like him taking a stand and underscoring where his future lies will be great for team morale and a pointer for the likes of Henrikh Mkhitaryan or Mats Hummels, both of which are still running on a 2017 contract and who will face a decision over their future next year. Signings like this should step by step restore the confidence that was so badly bruised last season. That said, there is only so much you can do off the field. When the league returns in two weeks, Dortmund will have to let actions do the talking.
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