Tuchel has a dig at departed Dortmund players

Tuchel has held a press conference to discuss Dortmund's preparations for the upcoming season. As expected, the coach was asked about the club's departures, and he hasn't held back.

Dortmund saw three of their star players leave in the close season, including captain Mats Hummels, midfielder Ilkay Gündogan and attacker Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

“Three extremely important players have departed, and that is more than normal,” said Tuchel, while adding that the squad's enforced overhaul “feels like a new beginning.”

The Dortmund manager said the club did everything in its power to keep the three, but “we must recognize our own limits.” Defender Neven Subotic has also confirmed he will be leaving the club soon.

“We have made a decision to sign players who will give their heart and soul for Borussia Dortmund,” said Tuchel, aiming an implied dig at the club's departing stars, adding that it is important for the club's fans to feel a “connection” with the squad.

Supporters reacted with disenchantment to the exits, especially that ofMkhitaryan.

Preparing for a long season

The club's list of incomings consists of mostly young players, including French wonderkid Ousmane Dembele and Portugal defender Raphael Guerreiro, who played a part in his national team's recent Euro 2016 title triumph.

When asked about the size of his squad, Tuchel said the club is preparing itself for a long season. “We want to play well in the Champions League, challenge for the Bundesliga and win the cup,” he said, while emphasizing that the quality of Europe's top club competition “will be taken into account” in the squad rebuilding process.

Tuchel also gave updates on a few of the club's injured players and said Erik Durm will get the time he needs to recover from injury.

Borussia Dortmund will kick off the 2016/17 Bundesliga season at home against Mainz on Saturday, August 27.