Borussia Dortmund's season is on the brink of collapse following their two defeats in two league games this year while coach Nuri Sahin is quickly running out of time to turn things around for last year's Champions League finalists.

Criticism of Borussia Dortmund coach Nuri Sahin was widespread during and after Tuesday's 4-2 Bundesliga defeat to Holstein Kiel. But after the game, the 36-year-old was backed by the club's managing director for sport, Lars Ricken, who believes the finger of blame should rather be pointed at the players.

BERLIN — Borussia Dortmund slumped to a 4-2 loss at promoted Holstein Kiel on Tuesday, piling the pressure on coach Nuri Sahin after the team’s worst opening half to the Bundesliga for 10 years.

Borussia Dortmund manager Nuri Sahin cut a disconsolate figure on Monday as he counted the cost of a flu-like illness that has cut through his squad and continues to wreak havoc as they prepare to face Holstein Kiel in the Bundesliga.

Promoted Holstein Kiel had to endure Borussia Dortmund's late comeback attempt but held on to claim a 4-2 win in the Bundesliga on Tuesday. The home crowd was euphoric when Shuto Machino broke the deadlock in the 27th,

Borussia Dortmund's struggles in the league continued with a 4-2 loss at Holstein Kiel on Tuesday, raising the heat on under-fire coach Nuri Sahin. Questions will continue to be asked of coach Sahin,