Tuchel: Dortmund fans should lay off Gundogan

The coach says it was he who wanted to ensure the midfielder remained at the club, but admits he is unsure over Ciro Immobile's future

New Borussia Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel has issued a strong riposte to fans who booed Ilkay Gundogan during Saturday's 17-0 win over a team of German Olympians in a charity match.

The midfielder had initially decided not to extend his contract with BVB beyond 2016 and was looking to move away from Signal Iduna Park this summer, however, he has since changed his mind and signed a new deal which ties him to the club until 2017. 

As a result of the apparent lack of commitment to the club, Gundogan was given a nasty reception by sections of the Dortmund fans as his side strolled to victory.

But Tuchel came out strongly in defence of the 24-year-old, who was forced to publish a statement denying he was leaving the club in search of money in June, saying it was he who wanted to keep the Germany international.

"I am glad that he is here," the coach told reporters. "It was I who wanted to keep him. I believe that, as a response to the audience's actions, is enough."

Tuchel oversaw his second victory at Dortmund following their 5-0 thumping over third-tier side VFL Rhede. His side's performance on Saturday, which featured hat-tricks from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Jonas Hofmann and Ciro Immobile, convinced the new boss that they would regain their former fear factor at home once again following last season's seventh-placed finish in the Bundesliga.

"We want to make our stadium a fortress again," the 41-year-old continued. "Opponents will get abdominal pains when they play here again."

Nevertheless, he admitted his uncertainty over the future of last summer's big signing Ciro Immobile, stating: "I do not know where he will play next term. That will depend on him."

The 2012-13 Serie A top goalscorer arrived in Dortmund for €20 million as a replacement for Robert Lewandowski but failed to make an impression in his first capaign, scoring just three goals in 24 Bundesliga outings.