Dortmund´s Klopp signs extension until 2014

Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp on Thursday signed a two-year contract extension with the Bundesliga leaders which will keep him in the Ruhr valley until at least 2014.

The 43-year-old is enjoying a stellar season at the helm of Dortmund who are seven points clear of second-placed Mainz in the German league and have a 14-point lead over defending champions Bayern Munich, who are eighth.

“I want to develop what I have started here,” said Klopp.

“I’m incredibly happy to have this confidence shown in me.

“When I told my family about the extension, there was a lot of celebrating at home.

“I am really excited about the next three and a half years.”

Dortmund’s managing director Hans-Joachim Watzke said the contract extension had been signed three days before the club’s annual general meeting on Sunday to send out a clear message to the club’s players and fans.

“His skills are undeniable, so it was a logical decision,” said Watzke.

“This is a good day for the club.”

Since joining Dortmund in July 2008, Dortmund have steadily improved under Klopp.

They finished sixth in 2009, fifth in 2005, but after 13 games this season they have scored 31 goals and conceded just eight.

Between them, Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, Japan midfielder Shinji Kagawa, Paraguay forward Lucas Barrios and Germany’s Kevin Grosskreutz have scored 20 goals in the league.

Rising stars Grosskreutz, Marcel Schmelzer, 18-year-old Mario Goetze and Mats Hummels have all forced their way into the German national side.

Leaders Dortmund play bottom side Moenchengladbach at home on Saturday evening in the Bundesliga.