Borussia Dortmund’s Niko Kovac Reflects on Success and Challenges Ahead in Bundesliga
Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac shared his thoughts on the progress of the team and his coaching philosophy in a recent interview with Sky Sports. He asserted, “If someone likes my style, this is up to you. For me, we are successful. And I think that, together, since we arrived, we did a very good job. As a coach, I think you need to see what kind of players you have, what situation you have, and you must always adapt.”
After taking charge following Nuri Sahin’s unsuccessful tenure, Kovac turned Dortmund’s fortunes around, leading the team from mid-table to Champions League qualification in his debut season. He noted, “I arrived in a bad situation. The squad was planned with a back four, but after two or three games we saw it was not working, so we changed into the back five.”
Kovac also highlighted the need to improve players’ physical capabilities to enhance overall performance. “This was from the tactical perspective. What was also obvious was that the physical capacities, how I see football, how I see a fully fit player, was not there. So we worked on this. With those physical abilities, you’re immediately a better football player,” he stated.
In the following season, Dortmund delivered more consistent results, finishing second in the league standings, 16 points behind Bayern Munich. Kovac recognized that narrowing the gap to Bayern required both excellent performance from his squad and a decline in Bayern’s form. “I do not like to speak first and then work. I think the opposite way is better,” Kovac remarked.
During the last season, Dortmund narrowly missed out on the championship, finishing just short due to a draw against Mainz on the final match day that cost them the title on goal difference.
Dortmund president Hans-Joachim Watzke recently addressed the club’s title ambitions for the upcoming season during an interview with Sky Germany. “Well, you have to be honest: we had a good Bundesliga season last year and picked up 73 points. In the past, that would have been enough to win the title. Today, that’s no longer the case because FC Bayern dominate everything. At Borussia Dortmund, there’s only so much we can do to change that, because the gap between Germany’s top two clubs has become so vast economically. So we shouldn’t kid ourselves: Bayern Munich are overwhelming favourites.”
As the Bundesliga season kicks off this weekend, fans of BVB are eager for improved performances. With new talent joining the squad, there is heightened anticipation for both better results and exciting football, a combination Kovac aims to deliver this season.
Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac labelled his football approach as successful, in an interview with Sky Sports.
“If someone likes my style, this is up to you. For me, we are successful. And I think that, together, since we arrived, we did a very good job. As a coach, I think you need to see what kind of players you have, what situation you have, and you must always adapt,” he said.
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After taking over the helm following the unsuccessful stint of Nuri Sahin, Kovac guided Dortmund from mid-table to Champions League qualification in his first season in charge.
“I arrived in a bad situation. The squad was planned with a back four, but after two or three games we saw it was not working, so we changed into the back five.”
He further adds: “This was from the tactical perspective. What was also obvious was that the physical capacities, how I see football, how I see a fully fit player, was not there. So we worked on this. With those physical abilities, you’re immediately a better football player.”
In the second season, Dortmund managed to put on a more consistent performance in the league, finishing second with 16 points behind Bayern Munich.
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Kovac believes that a lot must happen to close the gap to Bayern. In addition to Dortmund being able to play above themselves, Bayern needs to drop from their usual top form. “I do not like to speak first and then work. I think the opposite way is better,” said Kovac.
The Black and Yellows came close to winning the league during the 2022/23 season. A draw at home against Mainz on the last match day meant that the club lost the title on goal difference.
Recently, Dortmund president Hans-Joachim Watzke was speaking to Sky Germany on whether the club is capable of competing for the title this season: “Well, you have to be honest: we had a good Bundesliga season last year and picked up 73 points. In the past, that would have been enough to win the title. Today, that’s no longer the case because FC Bayern dominate everything. At Borussia Dortmund, there’s only so much we can do to change that, because the gap between Germany’s top two clubs has become so vast economically. So we shouldn’t kid ourselves: Bayern Munich are overwhelming favourites.”
As the Bundesliga starts this weekend, BVB fans will be hoping for much better performances from their side. The addition of exciting players has increased the anticipation. Better results coupled with exciting football are what Kovac needs to deliver this season.
GGFN |Brook Genene
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