Agency Report –
Berlin – New Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac is convinced that “we can achieve a lot together in the future,” as he gets ready to start the new job.
“The talks with (managing director) Lars Ricken were very constructive, with the necessary depth, clarity and familiarity for the situation. All those responsible at Dortmund gave us a very good feeling during the talks,” Kovac was quoted in a statement published by Dortmund on Thursday.
The club had already announced Kovac’s signing on Wednesday evening after the 3-1 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the final league phase match in the Champions League – Dortmund’s first win this year.
Former Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayern Munich, Wolfsburg and Croatia coach Kovac received a contract until June 30, 2026, as he succeeds Nuri Sahin, who had to go after seven months last week after a fourth defeat in a row.
Wednesday’s victory secured Dortmund a place in the play-off stage of the Champions League, in which they will bid for a spot in the last 16.
The club is already out of the German Cup, while in the Bundesliga they are 11th and winless in four consecutive games – a run that includes three defeats.
“The most important thing for all of us now is to have the absolute will, a big heart and the willingness to work hard to represent Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, the Champions League and at the Club World Cup in the summer in the best possible way,” Kovac said.
Interim coach Mike Tullberg, who took charge of the team in the past two games, will leave his role after Saturday’s Bundesliga match at Heidenheim.
