“Felix is certainly not where he can be yet” – Kovac makes honest Nmecha assessment

After a disappointing first half for Borussia Dortmund against TSG Hoffenheim on Saturday, Felix Nmecha was substituted at the break and replaced by new signing Joey Veerman. The Germany international then watched from the bench as his teammates fought back from two goals down to secure a 3-2 victory.

Speaking ahead of Dortmund’s Champions League opener against Villarreal on Tuesday, BVB head coach Niko Kovac admitted that Nmecha still has work to do to return to his best following a busy summer that included playing for Germany at the World Cup.

“Felix is certainly not where he can be yet. He played at the World Cup. The preparation was perhaps not what he’s used to, but he needs some time now,” Kovac said.

The Dortmund coach wants to gradually build Nmecha back up, with the decision not to have him play 90 minutes every week having been agreed with the the club’s fitness and performance staff.

“We have to build him up gradually. Physically, he is not yet at the level I would like him to be at, the level he can reach and has already reached before. But that will come now,” Kovac said, before underlining just how important the Germany international remains to BVB.

“Felix remains very important and will continue to be important to me and the team. So there’s no need to make anything of this.”