Bundesliga 2024-25: Borussia Dortmund ready to turn around poor league season, says boss Niko Kovac
Bundesliga 2024-25: Borussia Dortmund ready to turn around poor league season, says boss Niko Kovac
Borussia Dortmund has what it takes to turn its season around after a woeful run in the Bundesliga, as it looks to reignite its campaign with a trip to relegation-threatened VfL Bochum on Saturday, head coach Niko Kovac said.
Dortmund, which finished fifth last season before reaching the Champions League final in June, is 11th in the German top-flight standings with 29 points from 21 matches.
With just one win in its last six Bundesliga matches, it will look to carry its momentum from Tuesday’s 3-0 Champions League playoff first-leg victory over Portuguese side Sporting into Saturday’s game.
“Our team is willing and ready to change things. We have quality and the ability to achieve the goals we have set ourselves,” Kovac told reporters on Friday.
“Our team is capable of playing in a back three or back four. We are very variable, also in the build-up play. We need flexibility,” he added.
Kovac, who was hired by Dortmund in January after the sacking of Nuri Sahin, was braced for a bruising battle against Bochum.
“We know what to expect from Bochum. Bochum is fighting to avoid relegation. We can expect a fight and a lot of tackles. We have to accept that in order to leave the pitch as winners,” Kovac said.
Dortmund will be without Chelsea loanee Carney Chukwuemeka due to injury.
“Julian Ryerson is suspended. Ramy Bensebaini is not yet available. Carney has some problems with his knee. He won’t be involved tomorrow,” Kovac added.
