Germany: Bundesliga
FT
1 - 1
(1 - 1)
Dortmund
RB Leipzig
Y. Couto (23)
C. Baumgartner (7)
By Cameron Smith@_Camjsmith

Kovac on BVB relationship and Guirassy doubts

Borussia Dortmund's relationship with Niko Kovac continues to flourish. However, ahead of their Bundesliga showdown with RB Leipzig, the coach may once again be forced to make do without key striker Serhou Guirassy.
Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac on the touchline against Athletic Club.
Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac on the touchline against Athletic Club.Maja Hitij/Getty Images

Under Niko Kovac, Dortmund are currently enjoying a remarkable run. Die Schwarzgelben remain unbeaten across all competitions - in the Bundesliga, Champions League, and having cleared their first hurdle in the DFB-Pokal. 

Speaking at his press conference ahead of BVB's clash against Leipzig, Kovac struck a tone that resonated strongly with supporters: “We fit. I believe the relationship with the fans and the club is very good. We're simple, we're not special, not crazy - just normal people.”

Kovac also praised the team's development over recent weeks: “The daily work and automatisms are key. It's about trust in our own abilities - we're managing to shape games in a way that we consistently perform well. I think the fluctuations are becoming smaller. On the contrary, the peaks are getting higher.”

Silva ready to step in?

The status of Serhou Guirassy continues to remain uncertain ahead of the weekend, with Kovac admitting: “It's possible that Serhou will be out.”

Fabio Silva, who arrived from Wolves over the summer, is deemed as a strong alternative by Kovac: “With him, we have an adequate replacement. We're convinced he's a great fit for this club - a young, talented Portuguese player who gives everything for the team and has a real goalscoring instinct.”

Kovac surprised by Groß omission

Kovac also commented on Pascal Groß's absence from the latest Germany squad, expressing mild surprise at the midfielder's omission: “Pascal lacks nothing. The level is very high right now. Because we're so successful, it's difficult for some players. I'm a bit surprised he's not there - he has the qualities. Those who are playing now are doing very well.”

After a positive start to the season, BVB prepare for their biggest test yet as they face RB Leipzig on Saturday afternoon.

Bundesliga news

Kickfieber

Match days

Fantasy Football

German Teams in Europe

DFB-Pokal

German National Team

Long reads

Exclusive interviews

Team News

Bundesliga - Frankfurt - AugsburgBundesliga - Gladbach - WolfsburgBundesliga - Hoffenheim - HSVBundesliga - St. Pauli - HeidenheimBundesliga - Leverkusen - FC Köln