In an impressive turnaround, Borussia Dortmund’s coach Niko Kovac has led the team from the depths of 11th place to a coveted fourth position in the Bundesliga, securing a spot in the Champions League. Appointed in February 2025 after the dismissal of Nuri Sahin, Kovac faced the daunting task of revitalizing a struggling squad with just 14 league matches remaining. By the season’s conclusion, his efforts were lauded by managing director for sport Lars Ricken, who termed the turnaround “one of the great managerial performances in Dortmund’s history.”
Kovac’s journey at Dortmund began with a clear understanding of the challenges at hand. After a rocky start, which saw his team lose four of his first six matches, Kovac adopted a simple yet effective philosophy encapsulated in the motto: KISS — Keep It Simple, Stupid. This approach focused on enhancing the players’ physical abilities and establishing a solid defensive structure.
Strategic Changes and Defensive Discipline
Dortmund’s initial struggles stemmed from a lack of physical fitness and defensive stability. “As a footballer, you’re at your best when you’re not tired. Your decisions are better, so is your coordination,” Kovac explained in an interview with The Athletic. The coach initially experimented with a back four formation, but after it proved ineffective, he reverted to a back five to shore up the defense.
Despite early setbacks, Kovac’s commitment to simplicity paid dividends. The team finished the season unbeaten in their final eight league matches, winning seven, which included a memorable 3-1 victory over FC Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals. This match, played at the Westfalenstadion, was pivotal in boosting team morale, according to Kovac, who noted, “If you work hard here in Dortmund, anything is possible.”
Dortmund’s success, however, has not come without challenges. The team faced fatigue following their participation in the Club World Cup in the United States. This experience, while positive, impacted their pre-season preparations, leaving players exhausted as they approached the winter break.
Integrating New Talent and Future Prospects
Amidst these developments, the integration of Jobe Bellingham, who joined Dortmund from Sunderland for €30 million, has sparked interest. Bellingham, the younger brother of former player Jude Bellingham, has received mixed reviews from the media during his adaptation to Bundesliga football. Kovac emphasized the importance of a gradual introduction to the team, noting, “When a player moves from the Championship to the Bundesliga, that’s a very big step.”
The coach praised Bellingham’s work ethic and character, highlighting his desire to improve. “He’s an educated, humble guy, who wants to work hard and to improve every single day,” Kovac stated. Bellingham has participated in every match this season, contributing to the team’s efforts despite accumulating fewer than 900 minutes of playtime.
As Dortmund prepares for the second half of the season, the club faces uncertainty surrounding key players like Nico Schlotterbeck and Karim Adeyemi, both entering the final 18 months of their contracts. Kovac remains focused on maintaining team unity amidst external pressures and media scrutiny. “After Bayern Munich, we attract the most media attention in Germany,” he said.
With the Bundesliga resuming on Friday against Eintracht Frankfurt, Kovac’s leadership will be crucial as Dortmund aims to build on their current momentum and solidify their position in both domestic and European competitions. As he aptly noted, “You have to build the foundation before you have the big house.”
