Kovač Era Begins as Dortmund Seeks Redemption Against Stuttgart

Posted : 07 February 2025

Borussia Dortmund, having recently appointed Niko Kovač as head coach, will look to revive their season by securing a top-four finish, starting with a crucial clash against Stuttgart on Saturday. The club has struggled throughout the campaign, with their 5-1 loss to Stuttgart in September serving as an early indication of deeper issues.

That defeat marked the first under former coach Nuri Şahin, whose tenure ultimately ended in disappointment. Despite Dortmund's acquisition of Serhou Guirassy and Waldemar Anton from Stuttgart last summer, their opponents have continued to impress this season.

Currently sitting in fifth place, Stuttgart has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence under Sebastian Hoeneß, while Dortmund languishes in 11th. However, a congested mid-table means a victory for Dortmund would allow them to draw level with their upcoming opponents.

Hoeneß, who took over Stuttgart in April 2023, transformed the club from a relegation-threatened side to Champions League contenders. His success even led to speculation that he might replace Şahin, but Dortmund ultimately opted for Kovač, the former Bayern Munich and Monaco coach, as the man to turn their fortunes around.

Kovač will make his managerial debut for Dortmund on Saturday, with Champions League qualification as his primary target. Former Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller, who won two Bundesliga titles under Jürgen Klopp, has expressed confidence in Kovač's ability to restore discipline and structure within the team.

According to Weidenfeller, the new coach's demanding approach could help push Dortmund back into contention for a top-four finish. He emphasized the importance of players proving their worth and working harder to earn their place in the squad, drawing comparisons to the relentless training ethic that defined Klopp’s tenure.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich will kick off the weekend fixtures by hosting Werder Bremen on Friday, hoping to avoid the slip-ups that derailed their campaign last season. Bayer Leverkusen, currently six points behind Bayern in second, faces a tough away challenge against Wolfsburg.

Elsewhere, Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, named in UEFA's Champions League Team of the Year last season, has endured a difficult campaign, struggling with errors and a lack of defensive stability. However, Weidenfeller remains optimistic that Kovač’s arrival will bring structure to the backline and help Kobel regain his form, labeling him "the wall of Borussia Dortmund."

Kovač Era Begins as Dortmund Seeks Redemption Against Stuttgart

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics