Kovac insists on specific requirements for BVB's key players.
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No Change in Goals: Kovac Keeps Eye on Borussia Dortmund's Future
Niko Kovac's upward trend at Borussia Dortmund has reignited the Champions League dream, following four straight victories and a reduced four-point gap to the top-four spot. Yet, the coach remains focused, insisting his long-term ambitions for the club remain unaltered.
In an interview with Ruhr Nachrichten, Kovac expressed that his goal was to join Borussia Dortmund, stabilize the team, and deliver strong performances in the medium and long term. "Nothing has changed," he asserted, referring to his contract that extends until 2026.
Despite securing wins in four consecutive Bundesliga games, Dortmund remain seventh in the league, with a narrow two-point deficit for a spot in the Conference League and a three-point gap for the Europa League. However, Kovac is notable for his unwillingness to dwell on short-term goals like Champions League qualification, preferring instead the mantra, "Let's win the next game!"
Kovac recognizes improved moments in Dortmund's game and credits the team for their efforts. He emphasizes the need for commitment from all players, even the injured or struggling ones, as the squad prepares for the crunch phase. Despite reports of Pascal Groß's bandage injury and probable absence for the game against Hoffenheim, Kovac didn't completely rule out his participation. Meanwhile, Maximilian Beier's recovery from an ankle injury remains uncertain.
Kovac: Dortmund on an Upswing
Kovac emphasizes the team's consistent improvement since late March, pegging a "clear upward trend" to their recent victories over opponents like Mainz, Freiburg, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Mönchengladbach. The former Croatian international, coaching Dortmund for nearly three months, continues this drive for improvement day-by-day.
Although Kovac dismisses the label of "firefighter," he acknowledges that most coaches hired mid-season are tasked with solving problems. His one-and-a-half-year contract demonstrates a mutual commitment to addressing those challenges and working towards long-term success.
Inferring Ambitions: Player Development, Stability, and Cultural Shift
While Kovac hasn't openly discussed his precise long-term goals for Dortmund, his actions and statements indicate several objectives:
- Champions League Qualification: Kovac values Champions League qualification, aiming to secure this goal for the next season.
- Defensive Stability and Scoring Opportunities: Kovac emphasizes the importance of defensive stability and creating goal-scoring opportunities, indicating a long-term objective to strengthen the team's core and enhance overall performance.
- Player Development: Kovac has acknowledged the progress of young talents like Felix Nmecha, signaling an emphasis on cultivating homegrown talent to build a strong, cohesive squad.
- Cultural Shift: Kovac mentioned involving players in the team's strategic direction, indicating a focus on fostering a positive, empowering team culture to promote stability and performance over time.
Kovac's efforts suggest a strategy aimed at building a team that consistently competes at the upper echelons of both domestic and European competitions. However, beyond these broad ambitions, specific long-term goals remain elusive in the available information.
Sources: ntv.de, tsi/dpa
- Niko Kovac
- Borussia Dortmund
- Bundesliga
- Football
- Niko Kovac, in an interview with Ruhr Nachrichten, revealed his long-term ambition for Borussia Dortmund, which includes joining the club, stabilizing the team, and delivering strong performances in the medium and long term.
- Kovac is determined to focus on improving Dortmund's performance in both the short and long term, even as they prepare for the crunch phase of the season.
- The commitment to long-term success is evident in Kovac's mutual one-and-a-half-year contract with the club, demonstrating a shared effort to address challenges and achieve goals such as Champions League qualification.
- Kovac's strategy for Borussia Dortmund's future involves fostering a positive, empowering team culture, developing homegrown talent, and ensuring defensive stability and goal-scoring opportunities to compete consistently at the upper echelons of both domestic and European football competitions.
