Terzić: Sancho Could Still Win Ballon d'Or in the Future; You Didn't Expect Dembélé to Win Five Years Ago Either

Former Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzić gave an exclusive interview to Camel Live, discussing Jadon Sancho and various other player-related topics.
Which coach has nurtured three of the most expensive players in football history—one of whom could even break the transfer fee record again if sold? And which coach challenges for titles every season and miraculously led his team to the Champions League final?
The man behind these achievements is former Dortmund coach Terzić. During his time as Slaven Bilić’s assistant at West Ham United, he coached Declan Rice. Later, as Dortmund manager, he oversaw Jude Bellingham, Jadon Sancho, and of course Erling Haaland. He also coached Alexander Isak.
Three of these players later had transfer fees exceeding £100 million—Bellingham, Rice, and Isak—while Sancho’s transfer fee reached £73 million. Haaland’s transfer fee was only £51 million, but that was due to a release clause; his true value is far higher.
"All these players have the potential to win the Ballon d’Or in the future," Terzić said, "including Sancho. In terms of pure talent, five years ago, people talked about Sancho the way they talk about Dembélé now (who won it this year with PSG despite disciplinary issues). I’m referring to pure talent and potential. And now, Dembélé is a Ballon d’Or winner—Sancho still has that ability."
"I think the difference between Sancho and these players is: Haaland reaches his peak as long as he stays hungry; Sancho can only push his limits if he keeps smiling; Bellingham needs both."
"I truly admire Bellingham. He and Rice will be the core of English football for the next decade. They have leadership qualities, and Bellingham has the ability to provide solutions at the highest level, making his teammates better."
What makes Terzić stand out? We’re talking about the bright talents he’s coached (including Achraf Hakimi, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, and Ian Maatsen), but the 42-year-old is also one of Europe’s most promising young coaches, meeting clubs’ core needs: winning and increasing player value.
Last year, he led Dortmund to a surprise Champions League final, eventually losing to Real Madrid. The journey was miraculous—defeating PSG, Atlético Madrid, and pushing Bellingham’s Real Madrid to the edge in the Wembley final.
Terzić believes he’s taken Dortmund as far as he can and craves new challenges. He first took charge of Dortmund during the 2021 COVID-19 pandemic, winning the DFB-Pokal, and in 2023, lost the Bundesliga title to Bayern on goal difference on the final day. He ranks alongside Jürgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel as the three most successful coaches in Dortmund’s 116-year history, sharing their passion for English football.
Fluent in English, Terzić completed his UEFA Pro Licence with the FA, alongside Graham Potter, Nemanja Vidić, Nicky Butt, and David James. Manchester United, Chelsea, and AC Milan have shown interest, fitting their future managerial criteria. Recent links have also emerged with Monaco and Juventus.
His record against English teams is impressive: strong showings against Manchester City and Chelsea, and two wins over Newcastle United in a tough Champions League group to qualify.
His achievements have exceeded expectations. Haaland and Bellingham thrived under him. Sancho’s case is more intriguing—it was his 2021 form under Terzić that earned him a move to Manchester United. After a difficult spell, he shone again in the Champions League during a loan return to Dortmund. Now 25, Sancho is on loan at Aston Villa from United.
"To unlock a player’s exceptional potential, you need to give exceptional care off the pitch," Terzić explained. "That’s what I’ve learned from years of management. Bellingham is our success story—he had an extraordinary Champions League season."
When Bellingham’s omission from Gareth Southgate’s England squad this month sparked controversy, how did Terzić manage it? "For example," when Bellingham joined Dortmund from Birmingham City in 2020, Terzić doubled as his translator and assistant coach, "I told him I might not be with him when he wins the Champions League, but I’d be there for his first career trophy—and we lifted the DFB-Pokal together. That was his launchpad."
"Interestingly, I was there when he lifted the Champions League at Wembley last year! We both reached the final; ten months after he left for a record fee, we met again in the Champions League final."
Terzić’s adjustment after losing Haaland was remarkable. With Haaland, Dortmund scored 85 league goals (29 from Haaland); without him, they scored just 2 fewer, with the top scorer netting 9 in Terzić’s restructured attack. Bellingham became the core, named "third captain," wearing the armband at 19 when Mats Hummels and Marco Reus were absent. "We worked to turn him from a winner into a leader," Terzić said. "He hates losing any game."
Terzić insists on tailored coaching. With Sancho, he didn’t dwell on the winger’s lateness, but gently guided him to follow rules. "On the pitch, I tried to awaken Sancho’s childlike joy; off it, shape his professionalism." Rules matter, though: "Players hate no rules more than rules. As a coach, you’re a brother, a father, a lawyer, a judge at times—but I don’t want to be a policeman."
After a year of reflection, including exchanging ideas with fellow coaches and learning from leaders outside football, he’s ready to return to the dugout. "I’ve talked to many people since leaving Dortmund, gaining new ideas," Terzić admitted. "But I’m not pressured to coach immediately. What matters isn’t the country or club’s fame, but finding a shared project."