Kovac hopes Nmecha’s new deal influences Schlotterbeck as centre-back's Dortmund future remains uncertain
| Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images |
BVB coach Niko Kovac is hopeful that Nmecha's extension will send a positive signal to Nico Schlotterbeck, who is weighing up whether to extend his contract beyond 2027.
“Not only the players who are already here, but also others who might be considering joining our club, should see that we are trying to retain our key players," Kovac said at a press conference on Thursday.
However, he also made it clear that “each case has to be considered individually”.
“We're talking about different situations. Schlotti still has a year left on his contract, while Nmecha had two."
Ultimately, it's primarily up to managing director for sport Lars Ricken and sporting director Sebastian Kehl to convince Schlotterbeck to remain with BVB.
"This is not something the coach has to do. We’re working on it, we’re in discussion. We still have enough time,” Kovac said.
There isn’t unlimited patience, though.
“It should be clear before the next transfer window, so we can react if the decision goes the other way – which we don’t expect,” he said with a smile.
“An absolute gem”
For now, Kovac is simply pleased that Dortmund have managed to tie Nmecha down to a new long-term deal.
“He’s at a good age, slowly reaching his peak,” the coach said of the 25-year-old.
“He does a lot of things well, but he can still become more of a goal threat. He has good dribbling, good vision, and a powerful shot,” Kovac continued, describing him as “an absolute gem as a person.”
