What to expect From Kovac and Dortmund

Niko Kovac, who has previously managed Bayern Munich, Eintracht Frankfurt, and VfL Wolfsburg, has stepped in as Borussia Dortmund coach following Nuri Sahin’s dismissal. And with Dortmund well off the pace in the Bundesliga, fans are eager to see how Kovac can influence the team’s chances in the remaining months.

Kovac’s primary task is to permanently halt Dortmund’s downward trajectory. Dortmund have gone from being favourites to win most games in football match betting markets to being the underdog, which is a sign that all has not been well. The team has lacked consistency, and their defensive frailties have been there for all to see. So, addressing these issues will be crucial for Kovac.

Kovac is a head coach known for his disciplined approach. He often employs a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3 formation, placing emphasis on defensive solidity and quick transitions. At Frankfurt, he implemented a compact, mid-high press to force opponents wide, capitalising on swift counter-attacks upon regaining possession. Implementing a similar strategy at Dortmund could enhance the team defensively and make use of the pace of their attacking players.

Dortmund have a squad boasting talent like Serhou Guirassy, who has been a bright light in an otherwise challenging season. Guirassy’s recent performance in the Champions League, where he scored and assisted in a 3-0 victory over Sporting, underlines his potential to be one of Kovac’s key players.

Defensively, the return of centre-back Waldemar Anton from injury is a huge boost. His experience and leadership will be vital as Kovac works to shore up a leaky defence that has struggled to keep clean sheets all season.

Despite toiling domestically, Dortmund are still active in the Champions League, and they’re doing well. Captain Emre Can has emphasised the importance of the competition as a means to rejuvenate their season. A strong showing in Europe could not only restore confidence but also serve as a springboard for improved performances in the Bundesliga.

While a top-four Bundesliga finish and Champions League qualification are mathematically possible, they remain challenging and highly unlikely at this stage. Their chances of pulling off a top-four finish are remote. Therefore, a more pragmatic approach would be to focus on their current Champions League campaign and to work on rebuilding the team.

European football could still be on the cards next season if Dortmund manage to win the Champions League. It’s also very possible that they will secure a Europa League place if Kovac manages to stabilise them and starts them moving in the right direction consistently in the league.

Kovac’s arrival at Dortmund brings a blend of experience and tactical acumen. While there are significant challenges ahead, his track record suggests he can instil the discipline and structure required to navigate the remainder of the season successfully. Patience will be key, but all hopes of having a relatively good campaign aren’t lost just yet.