Pre-Match Report
First game under Kovac: Dortmund host Stuttgart
Last Sunday, Kovac took over the team and since then, has led the training sessions. "The first week was intense. We've been here every day from early to late," said Mike Tullberg's successor. The Black & Yellows had remained unbeaten in their three games under the interim coach, picking up two wins and a draw across all competitions. "We're on the rise," said Kovac. "The team has quality. We need to increase the likelihood of creating chances. Only then can we score more goals." However, the coach also stressed: "We need to find a balance and also have a good defence as well. This is what we have addressed and worked on in training this week. But you can't pack everything into one week. It will definitely take time."
In addition to Kovac and his coaching team, there were two other new faces on the training ground this week: BVB were once again active in the transfer market on Monday, with new signings Daniel Svensson and Carney Chukwuemeka putting on the Black & Yellow kit for the first time. Both are likely to be part of the match day squad for the first time against Stuttgart. "Both players have great potential," said the new BVB head coach. "We have signed both of them to help us with the large number of games we have, and they will do just that. Carney has not played much recently, we have to bring him up to speed gradually." Niklas Süle, meanwhile, also rejoined team training this week. Felix Nmecha is still injured, and Nico Schlotterbeck will miss out as he serves the last game of his suspension due to his red card in the game against Bremen.
"We need the points"
With a victory, BVB could draw level with VfB on points: Stuttgart currently lie fifth with 32 points, while the Black & Yellows are 11th on 29 points. Stuttgart were able to return to winning ways during the week after three consecutive defeats in the Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League, reaching the semi-finals of the DFB Pokal thanks to a 1-0 win over Augsburg. "It is certainly very important for the mentality, for the head, when you make it through to the next round. Stuttgart are a team that have developed really well since Sebastian (Hoeness) has been there," said Kovac. "The team play very aggressive football, defend high up the pitch and look to disrupt their opponents early."
After four consecutive defeats against VfB Stuttgart (three times in the Bundesliga, one in the DFB Pokal), BVB are looking to pick up a win again against the Swabians on Saturday. The last victory against VfB was the 5-0 home win back in October 2022. "I saw fun and joy in training," said Kovac. "The guys are positive, and can't wait to run out at the stadium over the weekend to get the points we really need."
Christina Reinke