Ahead of Return to Wolfsburg: Kovac Warns BVB to be Cautious - Kovač transforms Dortmund into title contenders in just one year
Niko Kovač has completed one year as Borussia Dortmund's head coach. Under his leadership, the team climbed from 11th place to secure a Champions League spot. Now, they sit second in the Bundesliga, six points behind leaders Bayern Munich.
Kovač took charge at a difficult time but quickly turned things around. His first season saw Dortmund rise from mid-table to European qualification. This campaign, they remain in contention for the title.
The coach has urged caution despite the team's strong form. He dismissed Nico Schlotterbeck's bold claim that Dortmund should target the league crown. Instead, Kovač stressed the need to stay focused on each match.
Injury concerns have also surfaced ahead of upcoming fixtures. Emre Can faces uncertainty due to persistent adductor issues. Meanwhile, Filippo Mané is sidelined for four to six weeks with a muscle problem.
Looking ahead, Kovač praised VfL Wolfsburg, his former club, despite their current 14th-place standing. He described them as a well-organised side capable of causing problems.
Dortmund's progress under Kovač is clear, with Champions League football secured and a title challenge underway. Yet, injuries to key players and a cautious approach from the manager add complexity to their campaign. The team's next matches will test their depth and resilience.