Pre-Match Report

Final Training Session in Norway: Getting Used to Artificial Turf

Six degrees Celsius, but it felt even colder: That’s how Norway welcomed the Borussia Dortmund first team. Wearing hats, scarves, and gloves, the players braved the weather during their final training session. Only Maxi Beier was on the field in shorts. We have the best photos from Aspmyra Stadium, where the Borussia Dortmund players got acquainted with the artificial turf.

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{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Departments","multiValue":true,"value":"Men","exportedType":"text/plain"},"dataLayer":{"editable-6d26a1f253":{"dc:description":"On the second matchday of the current UEFA Champions League group stage, Borussia Dortmund will play its first away game. Their opponent on Wednesday evening (Oct. 14, 9 p.m., live on DAZN) is FK Bodø/Glimt. \u201cWe have a win under our belt and want to build on that home victory with tomorrow\u2019s game,\u201d says BVB coach Niko Kovac.<\/p>\n","xdm:linkURL":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/10/13/UEFA-Champions-League-BVB-Aims-to-Build-on-Home-Win-in-Norway.html","@type":"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable","dc:title":"UEFA Champions League: BVB Aims to Build on Home Win in Norway","repo:modifyDate":"2026-10-13T16:30:00Z"}},"displayTag":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayTag","title":"Display Department","multiValue":true,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"metadescription":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"metadescription","title":"Meta Description","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"linkTarget":"_self","link":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/10/13/UEFA-Champions-League-BVB-Aims-to-Build-on-Home-Win-in-Norway.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/13/vorbericht-bodoe/Kovac-PK.jpg"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"experience":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"experience","html":"/content/experience-fragments/bvbweb/bvb_de/de/de/image_carousels/merch-slider--trikots/master<\/p>","title":"Experience Fragment","multiValue":false,"value":"/content/experience-fragments/bvbweb/bvb_de/de/de/image_carousels/merch-slider--trikots/master","exportedType":"text/plain"},"appExport":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"appExport","title":"App Export (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"showDate":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"calendar","name":"showDate","title":"Show Date and Time (CET)","multiValue":false,"value":"13.10.26 16:30 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"On the second matchday of the current UEFA Champions League group stage, Borussia Dortmund will play its first away game. Their opponent on Wednesday evening (Oct. 14, 9 p.m., live on DAZN) is FK Bodø/Glimt. \u201cWe have a win under our belt and want to build on that home victory with tomorrow\u2019s game,\u201d says BVB coach Niko Kovac.<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"On the second matchday of the current UEFA Champions League group stage, Borussia Dortmund will play its first away game. Their opponent on Wednesday evening (Oct. 14, 9 p.m., live on DAZN) is FK Bodø/Glimt. \u201cWe have a win under our belt and want to build on that home victory with tomorrow\u2019s game,\u201d says BVB coach Niko Kovac.","exportedType":"text/html"},"scheduledPush":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"scheduledPush","title":"Scheduled Push Notification?","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"disableAdsOnNewsPage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"disableAdsOnNewsPage","title":"Disable Ads on News Page","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"text":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"text","html":"<h2>The scenario<\/b> \n<\/h2>\nIn their Champions League opener, BVB won 3-2 at home against Villarreal CF. Following an own goal by the opponent, Serhou Guirassy scored both goals and put BVB on the path to victory. In the group stage standings\u2014which are still largely meaningless at this stage\u2014the Black and Yellows sit in twelfth place.<\/p>\nThe win against Villarreal was one of six consecutive victories across all competitions. Last Friday, the Borussians dropped points for the first time this season: In their Bundesliga home game against Werder Bremen, the Black and Yellows led 2\u20130 until shortly before the end but conceded two goals to finish with a 2\u20132 draw.<\/p>\n<h2>Squad<\/b><\/h2>\nNico Schlotterbeck did not make the trip to Norway. The center back had returned early from national team duty due to injury but still took the field in the home game against Werder Bremen. He will miss the match in Norway as a precaution to manage his workload. \u201cAfter his injury with the national team, we got him back quickly. He played in the last game. But tomorrow\u2019s match isn\u2019t ideal for his ankle. We discussed with the medical staff that he won\u2019t be playing,\u201d explains Kovac. <\/p>\nJulian Ryerson and Carney Chukwuemeka also returned from their national teams carrying injuries and had to sit out the match against Werder Bremen. Both are options again for the match in Ryerson\u2019s native Norway.<\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Kovac-Ryerson-1791910781193\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/13/vorbericht-bodoe/Kovac-Ryerson.jpg\"> \n<\/p>\n<h2>Opponent<\/b><\/h2>\nFK Bodø/Glimt, Norway\u2019s current runner-up, is competing in the Champions League, where the team kicked off with a 0\u20135 loss to Bayern Munich. Last weekend, the team won 3\u20131 at home against Kristiansund BK, propelling them back to the top of the Norwegian Eliteserien. There, they share first place with champions Viking Stavanger. Both teams have 53 points after 22 matchdays. \u201cThey\u2019re especially dangerous in the final third. They\u2019re a team that\u2019s been playing under the same coach for many years. They\u2019re doing really well, especially at home,\u201d says Ryerson about his Norwegian compatriots. Kovac adds: \u201cThere have been some big-name teams here, and many have seen how difficult it is to play here. We know it\u2019s going to be a really intense game for us tomorrow. But we\u2019re feeling confident and believe we have what it takes to win the game. Nothing is easy, though\u2014especially not in the Champions League.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Artificial Turf<\/b><\/h2>\nThe Scandinavian climate, with its long, cold winters, makes natural grass unplayable for much of the year. In Norway, therefore, games are played on artificial turf\u2014including at Aspmyra Stadium. For this reason, the team didn\u2019t hold its final training session the day before the game in Dortmund as usual, but at the venue itself to get a feel for the field. \u201cIt really is a difference. It\u2019s harder to press; we\u2019ll have to compensate for that. We shouldn\u2019t make a bigger deal out of it than it is, but the difference is definitely there,\u201d says Ryerson. Kovac doesn\u2019t want to use the surface as an excuse: \u201cThe lads played on artificial turf in their youth. We still want to impose our style of play. Changing direction is more difficult on a surface like this; we\u2019ll have to adjust everything a bit.\u201d<\/p>\nIncidentally, the first competitive match in the club\u2019s history on artificial turf also took place in Norway: In 2015, BVB came back from a 0\u20133 deficit to secure a 4\u20133 victory at Odds BK. \nChristina Reinke<\/i><\/p>\n<a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Szw6r-62TsE\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Watch the video<\/a><\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"<h2>The scenario<\/b> \n<\/h2>\nIn their Champions League opener, BVB won 3-2 at home against Villarreal CF. Following an own goal by the opponent, Serhou Guirassy scored both goals and put BVB on the path to victory. In the group stage standings\u2014which are still largely meaningless at this stage\u2014the Black and Yellows sit in twelfth place.<\/p>\nThe win against Villarreal was one of six consecutive victories across all competitions. Last Friday, the Borussians dropped points for the first time this season: In their Bundesliga home game against Werder Bremen, the Black and Yellows led 2\u20130 until shortly before the end but conceded two goals to finish with a 2\u20132 draw.<\/p>\n<h2>Squad<\/b><\/h2>\nNico Schlotterbeck did not make the trip to Norway. The center back had returned early from national team duty due to injury but still took the field in the home game against Werder Bremen. He will miss the match in Norway as a precaution to manage his workload. \u201cAfter his injury with the national team, we got him back quickly. He played in the last game. But tomorrow\u2019s match isn\u2019t ideal for his ankle. We discussed with the medical staff that he won\u2019t be playing,\u201d explains Kovac. <\/p>\nJulian Ryerson and Carney Chukwuemeka also returned from their national teams carrying injuries and had to sit out the match against Werder Bremen. Both are options again for the match in Ryerson\u2019s native Norway.<\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Kovac-Ryerson-1791910781193\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/13/vorbericht-bodoe/Kovac-Ryerson.jpg\"> \n<\/p>\n<h2>Opponent<\/b><\/h2>\nFK Bodø/Glimt, Norway\u2019s current runner-up, is competing in the Champions League, where the team kicked off with a 0\u20135 loss to Bayern Munich. Last weekend, the team won 3\u20131 at home against Kristiansund BK, propelling them back to the top of the Norwegian Eliteserien. There, they share first place with champions Viking Stavanger. Both teams have 53 points after 22 matchdays. \u201cThey\u2019re especially dangerous in the final third. They\u2019re a team that\u2019s been playing under the same coach for many years. They\u2019re doing really well, especially at home,\u201d says Ryerson about his Norwegian compatriots. Kovac adds: \u201cThere have been some big-name teams here, and many have seen how difficult it is to play here. We know it\u2019s going to be a really intense game for us tomorrow. But we\u2019re feeling confident and believe we have what it takes to win the game. Nothing is easy, though\u2014especially not in the Champions League.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Artificial Turf<\/b><\/h2>\nThe Scandinavian climate, with its long, cold winters, makes natural grass unplayable for much of the year. In Norway, therefore, games are played on artificial turf\u2014including at Aspmyra Stadium. For this reason, the team didn\u2019t hold its final training session the day before the game in Dortmund as usual, but at the venue itself to get a feel for the field. \u201cIt really is a difference. It\u2019s harder to press; we\u2019ll have to compensate for that. We shouldn\u2019t make a bigger deal out of it than it is, but the difference is definitely there,\u201d says Ryerson. Kovac doesn\u2019t want to use the surface as an excuse: \u201cThe lads played on artificial turf in their youth. We still want to impose our style of play. Changing direction is more difficult on a surface like this; we\u2019ll have to adjust everything a bit.\u201d<\/p>\nIncidentally, the first competitive match in the club\u2019s history on artificial turf also took place in Norway: In 2015, BVB came back from a 0\u20133 deficit to secure a 4\u20133 victory at Odds BK. \nChristina Reinke<\/i><\/p>\n<a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Szw6r-62TsE\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Watch the video<\/a><\/p>\n","exportedType":"text/html"},"id":"editable-6d26a1f253","prio":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"prio","title":"Prio (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"headline":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"headline","title":"Headline","multiValue":false,"value":"UEFA Champions League: BVB Aims to Build on Home Win in Norway","exportedType":"text/plain"},"author":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"author","title":"Author","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"teaserType":"relatedContent","match":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"content-fragment","name":"match","title":"Related Match","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/matches/football/profis/2026_2027/5/2685404_2_bodo_glimt-borussiadortmund"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"externalId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"externalId","title":"External ID (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"displayOnHome":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"displayOnHome","title":"Display in News Wall on Homepage","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"url":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"url","title":"Vanity URL (LEAVE EMPTY FOR AUTOMATIC VANITY URL. 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{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Departments","multiValue":true,"value":"Men","exportedType":"text/plain"},"dataLayer":{"editable-b14cd9ee33":{"dc:description":"\u201cWe clearly see our chances of getting off to an extremely strong start in the Champions League with a win against Bodø,\u201d said Lars Ricken before departing for Norway for the second UEFA Champions League match of this season. The sporting director also spoke about the upcoming challenges, the opponent, and the team\u2019s roster situation.<\/p>\n","xdm:linkURL":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/10/13/Media-Round-with-Lars-Ricken-Ahead-of-the-Bod-Match-On-Opportunities-and-Challenges.html","@type":"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable","dc:title":"Media Round with Lars Ricken Ahead of the Bodø Match: On Opportunities and Challenges","repo:modifyDate":"2026-10-13T14:21:00Z"}},"displayTag":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayTag","title":"Display Department","multiValue":true,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"metadescription":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"metadescription","title":"Meta Description","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"linkTarget":"_self","link":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/10/13/Media-Round-with-Lars-Ricken-Ahead-of-the-Bod-Match-On-Opportunities-and-Challenges.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/13/stimme-flughafen/Ricken.jpg"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"experience":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"experience","title":"Experience Fragment","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"appExport":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"appExport","title":"App Export (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"showDate":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"calendar","name":"showDate","title":"Show Date and Time (CET)","multiValue":false,"value":"13.10.26 14:21 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"\u201cWe clearly see our chances of getting off to an extremely strong start in the Champions League with a win against Bodø,\u201d said Lars Ricken before departing for Norway for the second UEFA Champions League match of this season. The sporting director also spoke about the upcoming challenges, the opponent, and the team\u2019s roster situation.<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"\u201cWe clearly see our chances of getting off to an extremely strong start in the Champions League with a win against Bodø,\u201d said Lars Ricken before departing for Norway for the second UEFA Champions League match of this season. The sporting director also spoke about the upcoming challenges, the opponent, and the team\u2019s roster situation.","exportedType":"text/html"},"scheduledPush":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"scheduledPush","title":"Scheduled Push Notification?","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"disableAdsOnNewsPage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"disableAdsOnNewsPage","title":"Disable Ads on News Page","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"text":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"text","html":"Lars Ricken on three away games in six days: \n <\/b>\u201cIt\u2019s definitely a crazy week, but it\u2019s not completely out of the ordinary. The players are used to constantly being on planes. There are no excuses. We\u2019ll just have to deal with it. Of course, it\u2019ll be a bit exhausting, but we have a strong support staff around the team and will go into every game fully prepared.\u201d<\/p>\n\u2026 on the opponent <\/b>, Bodø/Glimt: \n <\/b>\u201cWe\u2019re assuming that playing against Bodø/Glimt won\u2019t be a walk in the park\u2014it\u2019ll be a real challenge. The temperatures will be a bit above zero, but I\u2019ve heard that the wind chill will be minus seven degrees. On top of that, we\u2019ll be playing on an artificial turf field. I think the last time the players did that was back in the youth leagues. But we shouldn\u2019t reduce Bodø/Glimt\u2019s strengths to just the fact that they draw their home-field advantage from that. Otherwise, we should have beaten them at home in the Champions League last year. This will be a huge challenge, and we\u2019ll have to put in a top-notch performance to come out on top against Bodø/Glimt.\u201d<\/p>\n\u2026 the roster situation: \n <\/b>\u201cFirst of all, it\u2019s great that Julian Ryerson, as a Norwegian, is back with us. Whether he\u2019ll be able to play remains to be seen. Nico Schlotterbeck isn\u2019t in the lineup. This is for load management reasons. He had a long injury and came back relatively quickly\u2014even before the international break, which we hadn\u2019t expected. Unfortunately, he got injured again while with the national team. Now that he\u2019s played, we just want to ease him back in a bit. But he\u2019ll be back for the match against Union Berlin.\u201d<\/p>\n\u2026 on extending Coach Niko Kovac\u2019s contract:<\/b> \u201cIt was important to \n<\/b> me that we send a signal of continuity in the coaching position. When we signed Niko back then, the idea was that he would restore calm with his experience and expertise. We\u2019ve also gained mutual trust, loyalty, and discretion. We mustn\u2019t forget that he took over the team in a very difficult situation. Fortunately, we still managed to qualify for the Champions League. Now we\u2019re taking the next steps together and working to turn a very good team into a successful one.\u201d \nRecorded by Christina Reinke<\/i><\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"Lars Ricken on three away games in six days: \n <\/b>\u201cIt\u2019s definitely a crazy week, but it\u2019s not completely out of the ordinary. The players are used to constantly being on planes. There are no excuses. We\u2019ll just have to deal with it. Of course, it\u2019ll be a bit exhausting, but we have a strong support staff around the team and will go into every game fully prepared.\u201d<\/p>\n\u2026 on the opponent <\/b>, Bodø/Glimt: \n <\/b>\u201cWe\u2019re assuming that playing against Bodø/Glimt won\u2019t be a walk in the park\u2014it\u2019ll be a real challenge. The temperatures will be a bit above zero, but I\u2019ve heard that the wind chill will be minus seven degrees. On top of that, we\u2019ll be playing on an artificial turf field. I think the last time the players did that was back in the youth leagues. But we shouldn\u2019t reduce Bodø/Glimt\u2019s strengths to just the fact that they draw their home-field advantage from that. Otherwise, we should have beaten them at home in the Champions League last year. This will be a huge challenge, and we\u2019ll have to put in a top-notch performance to come out on top against Bodø/Glimt.\u201d<\/p>\n\u2026 the roster situation: \n <\/b>\u201cFirst of all, it\u2019s great that Julian Ryerson, as a Norwegian, is back with us. Whether he\u2019ll be able to play remains to be seen. Nico Schlotterbeck isn\u2019t in the lineup. This is for load management reasons. He had a long injury and came back relatively quickly\u2014even before the international break, which we hadn\u2019t expected. Unfortunately, he got injured again while with the national team. Now that he\u2019s played, we just want to ease him back in a bit. But he\u2019ll be back for the match against Union Berlin.\u201d<\/p>\n\u2026 on extending Coach Niko Kovac\u2019s contract:<\/b> \u201cIt was important to \n<\/b> me that we send a signal of continuity in the coaching position. When we signed Niko back then, the idea was that he would restore calm with his experience and expertise. We\u2019ve also gained mutual trust, loyalty, and discretion. We mustn\u2019t forget that he took over the team in a very difficult situation. Fortunately, we still managed to qualify for the Champions League. Now we\u2019re taking the next steps together and working to turn a very good team into a successful one.\u201d \nRecorded by Christina Reinke<\/i><\/p>\n","exportedType":"text/html"},"id":"editable-b14cd9ee33","prio":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"prio","title":"Prio (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"headline":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"headline","title":"Headline","multiValue":false,"value":"Media Round with Lars Ricken Ahead of the Bodø Match: On Opportunities and Challenges","exportedType":"text/plain"},"author":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"author","title":"Author","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"teaserType":"relatedContent","match":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"content-fragment","name":"match","title":"Related Match","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/matches/football/profis/2026_2027/5/2685404_2_bodo_glimt-borussiadortmund"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"externalId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"externalId","title":"External ID (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"displayOnHome":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"displayOnHome","title":"Display in News Wall on Homepage","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"url":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"url","title":"Vanity URL (LEAVE EMPTY FOR AUTOMATIC VANITY URL. 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{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Departments","multiValue":true,"value":"Youth Football","exportedType":"text/plain"},"dataLayer":{"editable-4e754267a6":{"dc:description":"A little over a month after their 2-3 home loss to Villarreal CF, BVB\u2019s U19 team is set to play its second match in the group stage of the UEFA Youth League. On Wednesday (11 a.m.), coach Felix Hirschnagl\u2019s team will face Norwegian side FK Bodø/Glimt on the road. The match beyond the Arctic Circle promises to be a special challenge\u2014and not just from a sporting perspective. The trip to the far north is also something extraordinary for everyone involved. \u201cIt\u2019s a bit of an adventure, and we\u2019re looking forward to it. It\u2019s fascinating that we get to go there to play soccer,\u201d says Hirschnagl.<\/p>\n","xdm:linkURL":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/10/13/U19-Hopes-for-First-Youth-League-Win-at-the-Arctic-Circle.html","@type":"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable","dc:title":"U19 Hopes for First Youth League Win at the Arctic Circle","repo:modifyDate":"2026-10-13T13:20:00Z"}},"displayTag":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayTag","title":"Display Department","multiValue":true,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"metadescription":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"metadescription","title":"Meta Description","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"linkTarget":"_self","link":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/10/13/U19-Hopes-for-First-Youth-League-Win-at-the-Arctic-Circle.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/13/vorbericht-youth-league/u19-yl.jpg"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"experience":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"experience","title":"Experience Fragment","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"appExport":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"appExport","title":"App Export (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"showDate":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"calendar","name":"showDate","title":"Show Date and Time (CET)","multiValue":false,"value":"13.10.26 13:20 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"A little over a month after their 2-3 home loss to Villarreal CF, BVB\u2019s U19 team is set to play its second match in the group stage of the UEFA Youth League. On Wednesday (11 a.m.), coach Felix Hirschnagl\u2019s team will face Norwegian side FK Bodø/Glimt on the road. The match beyond the Arctic Circle promises to be a special challenge\u2014and not just from a sporting perspective. The trip to the far north is also something extraordinary for everyone involved. \u201cIt\u2019s a bit of an adventure, and we\u2019re looking forward to it. It\u2019s fascinating that we get to go there to play soccer,\u201d says Hirschnagl.<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"A little over a month after their 2-3 home loss to Villarreal CF, BVB\u2019s U19 team is set to play its second match in the group stage of the UEFA Youth League. On Wednesday (11 a.m.), coach Felix Hirschnagl\u2019s team will face Norwegian side FK Bodø/Glimt on the road. The match beyond the Arctic Circle promises to be a special challenge\u2014and not just from a sporting perspective. The trip to the far north is also something extraordinary for everyone involved. \u201cIt\u2019s a bit of an adventure, and we\u2019re looking forward to it. It\u2019s fascinating that we get to go there to play soccer,\u201d says Hirschnagl.","exportedType":"text/html"},"scheduledPush":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"scheduledPush","title":"Scheduled Push Notification?","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"disableAdsOnNewsPage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"disableAdsOnNewsPage","title":"Disable Ads on News Page","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"text":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"text","html":"<h2>The scenario<\/b><\/h2>\nPreparations for the second Youth League match were anything but ideal. After all, it has been more than four weeks since Dortmund\u2019s U19 team played its last competitive match. To get back into the rhythm of competition after the long international break, the team played a friendly against AZ Alkmaar in early October, which ended in a 1-1 draw. \u201cWe would have liked to have had another league match last weekend to see where we stand. But we\u2019ll take it as it comes,\u201d commented Hirschnagl.<\/p>\nDespite the difficult starting point, the BVB coach is looking forward to the upcoming challenge with confidence. After the unfortunate 2-3 opening-match loss to Villarreal\u2014in which Dortmund took the lead twice\u2014the team is now aiming for its first win. \u201cWe played a decent game against Villarreal and learned from it. Now we\u2019ll try to do better and hold our own even when the opponent is playing better than we are,\u201d says Hirschnagl.<\/p>\nThe venue adds an extra layer of excitement: The U19 team will play in the same stadium where the professional teams from both clubs will face off just a few hours later. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. to give the organizers enough time to prepare the arena.<\/p>\n<h2>Roster <\/b><\/h2>\nBorussia Dortmund has registered a 40-player roster with UEFA for the Youth League. In addition to talents from the U19 team, the roster also includes players from the U23 and U17 teams. A decision on whether Hirschnagl will be able to call upon the registered First team players\u2014Samuele Inacio, Mathis Albert, Filippo Mane, and Luca Reggiani\u2014will be made at the last minute.<\/p>\nIf the four young players are unavailable, the lineup is likely to be largely similar to that of the opening match against Villarreal. In that game, three players from the U23 team\u2014Aaron Held, Tim Degener, and Fadi Zarqelain\u2014were in the starting lineup. Hirschnagl will definitely have to do without Lenni Strößner, who returned from national team duty with muscle issues. Keron Hagemann\u2019s availability is also in doubt due to health problems. <\/p>\n<h2>Opponent<\/b><\/h2>\nYouth development is a top priority at Bodø/Glimt. As recently as 2010, the club was on the brink of bankruptcy; today, its professional team ranks among Norway\u2019s most successful. Four league titles in 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2024, as well as the club\u2019s first-ever appearance in the Champions League last year, underscore its rise to prominence. A key component of this success is the consistent development of young, local talent. Just how sustainable this approach is was evident last December: Eight players from the club\u2019s own youth system were part of the professional squad that held Borussia Dortmund to a 2\u20132 draw at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK.<\/p>\nIn the Youth League, however, Bodø/Glimt has so far been unable to replicate the team\u2019s success. In their debut last year, they suffered a decisive 0\u20134 loss in Dortmund. It was already their fifth defeat in five games. With zero points, the Norwegians were eliminated, finishing second-to-last in the 36-team standings. The start to the current season has also been sobering: On September 10, Bodø/Glimt lost 1\u20136 to FC Bayern Munich. For Hirschnagl, however, these results are no reason to underestimate the task ahead: \u201cI expect an opponent that will demand everything from us. They\u2019ll challenge us relentlessly\u2014anything is possible. We\u2019ll definitely have to give it our all to come away with three points.\u201d <\/p>\n<h2>Busy Schedule<\/b><\/h2>\nAfter the long break from competitive play, the BVB talents face a grueling schedule that brings not only athletic challenges but also plenty of travel. Just three days after the away game in Norway, Dortmund will kick off the second half of the season in the DFB Youth League. On October 17 (1:00 p.m.), the U19s will host Rot-Weiß Oberhausen. There won\u2019t be much time to catch their breath afterward. Their next international challenge comes as early as October 20 with an away game against Sabah FK in Baku. The trip to the Azerbaijani capital\u2014with a flight time of just over four hours\u2014is even longer than the trip to Norway. This makes a victory at the Arctic Circle all the more important for BVB\u2014not least as a boost for the hectic schedule in the coming days.<\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"<h2>The scenario<\/b><\/h2>\nPreparations for the second Youth League match were anything but ideal. After all, it has been more than four weeks since Dortmund\u2019s U19 team played its last competitive match. To get back into the rhythm of competition after the long international break, the team played a friendly against AZ Alkmaar in early October, which ended in a 1-1 draw. \u201cWe would have liked to have had another league match last weekend to see where we stand. But we\u2019ll take it as it comes,\u201d commented Hirschnagl.<\/p>\nDespite the difficult starting point, the BVB coach is looking forward to the upcoming challenge with confidence. After the unfortunate 2-3 opening-match loss to Villarreal\u2014in which Dortmund took the lead twice\u2014the team is now aiming for its first win. \u201cWe played a decent game against Villarreal and learned from it. Now we\u2019ll try to do better and hold our own even when the opponent is playing better than we are,\u201d says Hirschnagl.<\/p>\nThe venue adds an extra layer of excitement: The U19 team will play in the same stadium where the professional teams from both clubs will face off just a few hours later. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. to give the organizers enough time to prepare the arena.<\/p>\n<h2>Roster <\/b><\/h2>\nBorussia Dortmund has registered a 40-player roster with UEFA for the Youth League. In addition to talents from the U19 team, the roster also includes players from the U23 and U17 teams. A decision on whether Hirschnagl will be able to call upon the registered First team players\u2014Samuele Inacio, Mathis Albert, Filippo Mane, and Luca Reggiani\u2014will be made at the last minute.<\/p>\nIf the four young players are unavailable, the lineup is likely to be largely similar to that of the opening match against Villarreal. In that game, three players from the U23 team\u2014Aaron Held, Tim Degener, and Fadi Zarqelain\u2014were in the starting lineup. Hirschnagl will definitely have to do without Lenni Strößner, who returned from national team duty with muscle issues. Keron Hagemann\u2019s availability is also in doubt due to health problems. <\/p>\n<h2>Opponent<\/b><\/h2>\nYouth development is a top priority at Bodø/Glimt. As recently as 2010, the club was on the brink of bankruptcy; today, its professional team ranks among Norway\u2019s most successful. Four league titles in 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2024, as well as the club\u2019s first-ever appearance in the Champions League last year, underscore its rise to prominence. A key component of this success is the consistent development of young, local talent. Just how sustainable this approach is was evident last December: Eight players from the club\u2019s own youth system were part of the professional squad that held Borussia Dortmund to a 2\u20132 draw at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK.<\/p>\nIn the Youth League, however, Bodø/Glimt has so far been unable to replicate the team\u2019s success. In their debut last year, they suffered a decisive 0\u20134 loss in Dortmund. It was already their fifth defeat in five games. With zero points, the Norwegians were eliminated, finishing second-to-last in the 36-team standings. The start to the current season has also been sobering: On September 10, Bodø/Glimt lost 1\u20136 to FC Bayern Munich. For Hirschnagl, however, these results are no reason to underestimate the task ahead: \u201cI expect an opponent that will demand everything from us. They\u2019ll challenge us relentlessly\u2014anything is possible. We\u2019ll definitely have to give it our all to come away with three points.\u201d <\/p>\n<h2>Busy Schedule<\/b><\/h2>\nAfter the long break from competitive play, the BVB talents face a grueling schedule that brings not only athletic challenges but also plenty of travel. Just three days after the away game in Norway, Dortmund will kick off the second half of the season in the DFB Youth League. On October 17 (1:00 p.m.), the U19s will host Rot-Weiß Oberhausen. There won\u2019t be much time to catch their breath afterward. Their next international challenge comes as early as October 20 with an away game against Sabah FK in Baku. The trip to the Azerbaijani capital\u2014with a flight time of just over four hours\u2014is even longer than the trip to Norway. This makes a victory at the Arctic Circle all the more important for BVB\u2014not least as a boost for the hectic schedule in the coming days.<\/p>\n","exportedType":"text/html"},"id":"editable-4e754267a6","prio":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"prio","title":"Prio (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"headline":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"headline","title":"Headline","multiValue":false,"value":"U19 Hopes for First Youth League Win at the Arctic Circle","exportedType":"text/plain"},"author":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"author","title":"Author","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"teaserType":"relatedContent","match":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"content-fragment","name":"match","title":"Related Match","multiValue":true,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"externalId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"externalId","title":"External ID (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"displayOnHome":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"displayOnHome","title":"Display in News Wall on Homepage","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"url":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"url","title":"Vanity URL (LEAVE EMPTY FOR AUTOMATIC VANITY URL. 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{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Departments","multiValue":true,"value":"Men","exportedType":"text/plain"},"dataLayer":{"editable-6a9c13e012":{"dc:description":"With a squad of 23 players, Borussia Dortmund is heading to Bodø for its first away match of the current UEFA Champions League season. The BVB delegation will depart from Dortmund Airport at 2:15 p.m. Head coach Niko Kovac has named the following Borussians for Wednesday night\u2019s match (Oct. 14, 9 p.m., live on DAZN).<\/p>\n","xdm:linkURL":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/10/13/Schlotterbeck-out-Ryerson-in-These-BVB-first-team-players-are-heading-to-Norway.html","@type":"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable","dc:title":"These BVB first team players are heading to Norway","repo:modifyDate":"2026-10-13T11:19:00Z"}},"displayTag":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayTag","title":"Display Department","multiValue":true,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"metadescription":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"metadescription","title":"Meta Description","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"linkTarget":"_self","link":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/10/13/Schlotterbeck-out-Ryerson-in-These-BVB-first-team-players-are-heading-to-Norway.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/13/abflug-kader/anton-bellingham.jpg"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"experience":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"experience","title":"Experience Fragment","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"appExport":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"appExport","title":"App Export (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"showDate":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"calendar","name":"showDate","title":"Show Date and Time (CET)","multiValue":false,"value":"13.10.26 11:19 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"With a squad of 23 players, Borussia Dortmund is heading to Bodø for its first away match of the current UEFA Champions League season. The BVB delegation will depart from Dortmund Airport at 2:15 p.m. Head coach Niko Kovac has named the following Borussians for Wednesday night\u2019s match (Oct. 14, 9 p.m., live on DAZN).<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"With a squad of 23 players, Borussia Dortmund is heading to Bodø for its first away match of the current UEFA Champions League season. The BVB delegation will depart from Dortmund Airport at 2:15 p.m. Head coach Niko Kovac has named the following Borussians for Wednesday night\u2019s match (Oct. 14, 9 p.m., live on DAZN).","exportedType":"text/html"},"scheduledPush":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"scheduledPush","title":"Scheduled Push Notification?","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"disableAdsOnNewsPage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"disableAdsOnNewsPage","title":"Disable Ads on News Page","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"text":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"text","html":"<h2>The Roster for Bodø/Glimt<\/b> \n<\/h2>\nGregor Kobel \nWaldemar Anton \nRamy Bensebaini \nJobe Bellingham \nFelix Nmecha \nSerhou Guirassy \nMaximilian Beier \nCarney Chukwuemeka \nEthan Nwaneri \nKonstantinos Karetsas \nMarcel Sabitzer \nFabio Silva \nJoane Gadou \nDaniel Svensson \nJoey Veerman \nJulian Ryerson \nPatrick Drewes \nAlexander Meyer \nKaua Prates \nFilippo Mane \nSamuele Inacio \nMathis Albert \nLuca Reggiani<\/p>\nNico Schlotterbeck is not included for load management reasons. Julian Ryerson and Carney Chukwuemeka, who have returned from injury, are back in the squad.<\/p>\nAfter arriving in Norway, the team will head to Aspmyra Stadium. There, a press conference with Niko Kovac and Julian Ryerson will take place first <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Szw6r-62TsE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(live on BVB-TV starting at 5:00 p.m.)<\/a>. Afterward, the Borussians will hold their final training session at the match venue to get used to the artificial turf there.<\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"<h2>The Roster for Bodø/Glimt<\/b> \n<\/h2>\nGregor Kobel \nWaldemar Anton \nRamy Bensebaini \nJobe Bellingham \nFelix Nmecha \nSerhou Guirassy \nMaximilian Beier \nCarney Chukwuemeka \nEthan Nwaneri \nKonstantinos Karetsas \nMarcel Sabitzer \nFabio Silva \nJoane Gadou \nDaniel Svensson \nJoey Veerman \nJulian Ryerson \nPatrick Drewes \nAlexander Meyer \nKaua Prates \nFilippo Mane \nSamuele Inacio \nMathis Albert \nLuca Reggiani<\/p>\nNico Schlotterbeck is not included for load management reasons. Julian Ryerson and Carney Chukwuemeka, who have returned from injury, are back in the squad.<\/p>\nAfter arriving in Norway, the team will head to Aspmyra Stadium. There, a press conference with Niko Kovac and Julian Ryerson will take place first <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Szw6r-62TsE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">(live on BVB-TV starting at 5:00 p.m.)<\/a>. Afterward, the Borussians will hold their final training session at the match venue to get used to the artificial turf there.<\/p>\n","exportedType":"text/html"},"id":"editable-6a9c13e012","prio":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"prio","title":"Prio (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"headline":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"headline","title":"Headline","multiValue":false,"value":"These BVB first team players are heading to Norway","exportedType":"text/plain"},"author":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"author","title":"Author","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"teaserType":"relatedContent","match":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"content-fragment","name":"match","title":"Related Match","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/matches/football/profis/2026_2027/5/2685404_2_bodo_glimt-borussiadortmund"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"externalId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"externalId","title":"External ID (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":"227264224","exportedType":"text/plain"},"displayOnHome":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"displayOnHome","title":"Display in News Wall on Homepage","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"url":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"url","title":"Vanity URL (LEAVE EMPTY FOR AUTOMATIC VANITY URL. 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Just How Strong Is BVB Under Niko Kovac","repo:modifyDate":"2026-10-13T08:35:00Z"}},"displayTag":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayTag","title":"Display Department","multiValue":true,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"metadescription":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"metadescription","title":"Meta Description","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"linkTarget":"_self","link":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/10/13/Numbers-Facts-Records-Just-How-Strong-Is-BVB-Under-Niko-Kovac.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/13/vor/kovac-jubel1.jpg"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"experience":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"experience","title":"Experience Fragment","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"appExport":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"appExport","title":"App Export (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"showDate":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"calendar","name":"showDate","title":"Show Date and Time (CET)","multiValue":false,"value":"13.10.26 08:35 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"Niko Kovac will remain head coach of Borussia Dortmund for the long term: BVB has extended the 54-year-old\u2019s contract early through 2029. Kovac has not only led BVB to the UEFA Champions League twice. Under his leadership, the team has statistically become one of the most successful in the club\u2019s recent history, as a look at the key facts and figures shows. <\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"Niko Kovac will remain head coach of Borussia Dortmund for the long term: BVB has extended the 54-year-old\u2019s contract early through 2029. Kovac has not only led BVB to the UEFA Champions League twice. Under his leadership, the team has statistically become one of the most successful in the club\u2019s recent history, as a look at the key facts and figures shows.","exportedType":"text/html"},"scheduledPush":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"scheduledPush","title":"Scheduled Push Notification?","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"disableAdsOnNewsPage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"disableAdsOnNewsPage","title":"Disable Ads on News Page","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"text":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"text","html":"<h2>From 11th Place to the Champions League<\/b> \n<\/h2>\nNiko Kovac took over Borussia Dortmund in February 2025 when the team was in 11th place. He then led BVB back into the UEFA Champions League with an outstanding finish to the season, as his team made up an eight-point deficit. No team earned more points overall than the Black and Yellows in the final twelve matchdays of the 2024\u201325 season.<\/p>\n<h2>Title-Worthy Points Haul<\/b><\/h2>\nIn his first full season with BVB in 2025/26, Niko Kovac and his team earned 73 points. That was an impressive total\u2014one that would have been enough to win the German championship just three years earlier. Overall, it was the fifth-best Bundesliga season in the club\u2019s history. <\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"kovac-training2-1791874503172\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/13/vor/kovac-training2.jpg\"><\/p>\n<h2>BVB Record After 50 Games<\/b> \n<\/h2>\nIn his first 50 Bundesliga matches as head coach, Niko earned an impressive 107 points with BVB. No other Dortmund coach has done better over that span. Kovac took the lead in this statistic following the 3-2 victory in Hoffenheim in early September, ahead of Lucien Favre (106 points) and Thomas Tuchel (105).<\/p>\n<h2>Best Points Average of Any BVB Head Coach<\/b><\/h2>\nAt the time of his contract extension with BVB, Niko Kovac had the best points average of any Dortmund head coach in Bundesliga history at 2.15. <\/p>\n<h2>Clean Sheet Streak? Club Record Set<\/b> \n<\/h2>\nIn the 2025\u201326 season, Dortmund conceded just 34 goals in the Bundesliga and kept 15 clean sheets. With that, BVB set the club record for the most clean sheets in a single season. In the current 2026\u201327 season, Borussia has already kept three clean sheets. <\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"kovac3-1791874537115\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/13/vor/kovac3.jpg\"><\/p>\n<h2>BVB Back at the Top of the Table<\/b><\/h2>\nFollowing a 1-0 away win at VfB Stuttgart in September of this year, Borussia Dortmund returned to the top of the Bundesliga standings for the first time since May 2023. <\/p>\n<h2>Goal-Hungry in the Champions League<\/b><\/h2>\nIn the UEFA Champions League, Borussia Dortmund has scored three or more goals in seven matches since Kovac took over, making them one of the most prolific teams in the competition during that period. \nCompiled by Mats-Yannick Roth<\/i><\/p>\n<a href=\"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/10/13/BVB-Extends-Contract-with-Kovac-Through-2029.html\" target=\"_blank\">Borussia Dortmund Extends Niko Kovac\u2019s Contract Through 2029<\/a><\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"<h2>From 11th Place to the Champions League<\/b> \n<\/h2>\nNiko Kovac took over Borussia Dortmund in February 2025 when the team was in 11th place. He then led BVB back into the UEFA Champions League with an outstanding finish to the season, as his team made up an eight-point deficit. No team earned more points overall than the Black and Yellows in the final twelve matchdays of the 2024\u201325 season.<\/p>\n<h2>Title-Worthy Points Haul<\/b><\/h2>\nIn his first full season with BVB in 2025/26, Niko Kovac and his team earned 73 points. That was an impressive total\u2014one that would have been enough to win the German championship just three years earlier. Overall, it was the fifth-best Bundesliga season in the club\u2019s history. <\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"kovac-training2-1791874503172\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/13/vor/kovac-training2.jpg\"><\/p>\n<h2>BVB Record After 50 Games<\/b> \n<\/h2>\nIn his first 50 Bundesliga matches as head coach, Niko earned an impressive 107 points with BVB. No other Dortmund coach has done better over that span. Kovac took the lead in this statistic following the 3-2 victory in Hoffenheim in early September, ahead of Lucien Favre (106 points) and Thomas Tuchel (105).<\/p>\n<h2>Best Points Average of Any BVB Head Coach<\/b><\/h2>\nAt the time of his contract extension with BVB, Niko Kovac had the best points average of any Dortmund head coach in Bundesliga history at 2.15. <\/p>\n<h2>Clean Sheet Streak? Club Record Set<\/b> \n<\/h2>\nIn the 2025\u201326 season, Dortmund conceded just 34 goals in the Bundesliga and kept 15 clean sheets. With that, BVB set the club record for the most clean sheets in a single season. In the current 2026\u201327 season, Borussia has already kept three clean sheets. <\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"kovac3-1791874537115\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/13/vor/kovac3.jpg\"><\/p>\n<h2>BVB Back at the Top of the Table<\/b><\/h2>\nFollowing a 1-0 away win at VfB Stuttgart in September of this year, Borussia Dortmund returned to the top of the Bundesliga standings for the first time since May 2023. <\/p>\n<h2>Goal-Hungry in the Champions League<\/b><\/h2>\nIn the UEFA Champions League, Borussia Dortmund has scored three or more goals in seven matches since Kovac took over, making them one of the most prolific teams in the competition during that period. \nCompiled by Mats-Yannick Roth<\/i><\/p>\n<a href=\"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/10/13/BVB-Extends-Contract-with-Kovac-Through-2029.html\" target=\"_blank\">Borussia Dortmund Extends Niko Kovac\u2019s Contract Through 2029<\/a><\/p>\n","exportedType":"text/html"},"id":"editable-3304a94386","prio":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"prio","title":"Prio (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"headline":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"headline","title":"Headline","multiValue":false,"value":"Numbers, Facts, Records! Just How Strong Is BVB Under Niko Kovac","exportedType":"text/plain"},"author":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"author","title":"Author","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"teaserType":"relatedContent","match":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"content-fragment","name":"match","title":"Related Match","multiValue":true,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"externalId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"externalId","title":"External ID (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"displayOnHome":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"displayOnHome","title":"Display in News Wall on Homepage","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"url":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"url","title":"Vanity URL (LEAVE EMPTY FOR AUTOMATIC VANITY URL. 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{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Departments","multiValue":true,"value":"Men","exportedType":"text/plain"},"dataLayer":{"editable-4313265134":{"dc:description":"Borussia Dortmund and head coach Niko Kovac are continuing their successful partnership. The 54-year-old signed a new contract with the eight-time German champions today, Tuesday, running through June 30, 2029. Along with him, the two assistant coaches, Robert Kovac (52) and Filip Tapalovic (49), will also remain with BVB.<\/p>\n","xdm:linkURL":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/10/13/BVB-Extends-Contract-with-Kovac-Through-2029.html","@type":"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable","dc:title":"BVB Extends Contract with Kovac Through 2029","repo:modifyDate":"2026-10-13T08:30:00Z"}},"displayTag":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayTag","title":"Display Department","multiValue":true,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"metadescription":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"metadescription","title":"Meta Description","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"linkTarget":"_self","link":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/10/13/BVB-Extends-Contract-with-Kovac-Through-2029.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/13/vvl/Kovac-VVL.jpg"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"experience":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"experience","title":"Experience Fragment","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"appExport":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"appExport","title":"App Export (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"showDate":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"calendar","name":"showDate","title":"Show Date and Time (CET)","multiValue":false,"value":"13.10.26 08:30 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"Borussia Dortmund and head coach Niko Kovac are continuing their successful partnership. The 54-year-old signed a new contract with the eight-time German champions today, Tuesday, running through June 30, 2029. Along with him, the two assistant coaches, Robert Kovac (52) and Filip Tapalovic (49), will also remain with BVB.<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"Borussia Dortmund and head coach Niko Kovac are continuing their successful partnership. The 54-year-old signed a new contract with the eight-time German champions today, Tuesday, running through June 30, 2029. Along with him, the two assistant coaches, Robert Kovac (52) and Filip Tapalovic (49), will also remain with BVB.","exportedType":"text/html"},"scheduledPush":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"scheduledPush","title":"Scheduled Push Notification?","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"disableAdsOnNewsPage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"disableAdsOnNewsPage","title":"Disable Ads on News Page","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"text":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"text","html":"Lars Ricken, Managing Director of Sports, explains: \u201cWith Niko Kovac, we\u2019ve been on a very good path since he took office a little over a year and a half ago. He has consistently developed the team and is highly regarded within our club. Extending Niko\u2019s contract is also a clear sign of consistency and stability at Borussia Dortmund. And Niko knows what he has in Borussia Dortmund. That\u2019s why we quickly agreed to continue on this path together.\u201d<\/p>\nCarsten Cramer, Chief Executive Officer, emphasizes: \u201cNiko Kovac identifies strongly with BVB, and that\u2019s not the only reason he\u2019s such a good fit for our club. The unity between Niko, his coaching staff, and our sports management is incredibly refreshing. Accordingly, we were able to agree on continuing our collaboration quickly and amicably.\u201d<\/p>\nKovac and his coaching staff took over BVB in the spring of 2025 when the team was in eleventh place in the standings and managed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League on the final matchday of the 2024\u201325 season. Last season, Kovac led the club to a second-place finish. The 73 points earned that season represent the fifth-highest point total in club history.<\/p>\nSporting Director Ole Book says: \u201cA trusting relationship has developed between Niko and me since my first day here. Niko works with extreme meticulousness, and his experience gives him a calmness that benefits the team. We\u2019re in touch almost daily and are working on taking the next steps with the team to ensure BVB\u2019s success.\u201d<\/p>\nKovac has been on the Borussia Dortmund bench for 53 Bundesliga matches so far. He has earned 114 points with his team, which translates to an average of 2.15 points per game. No other BVB head coach has averaged more points than the Croatian.<\/p>\nNiko Kovac says: \u201cTogether, we\u2019ve set a clear course for development and laid important foundations for the future. We want to build on that. We have a clear vision of how we play soccer, how we perform as a team, and what it takes to achieve our goals. The key is that we don\u2019t rest on our laurels, but work every day to get better. We see great potential and are convinced that, together, with full conviction and great determination, we can still achieve a great deal.\u201d<\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Kovac-VVL-2-1791880416240\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/13/vvl/Kovac-VVL-2.jpg\"><\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"Lars Ricken, Managing Director of Sports, explains: \u201cWith Niko Kovac, we\u2019ve been on a very good path since he took office a little over a year and a half ago. He has consistently developed the team and is highly regarded within our club. Extending Niko\u2019s contract is also a clear sign of consistency and stability at Borussia Dortmund. And Niko knows what he has in Borussia Dortmund. That\u2019s why we quickly agreed to continue on this path together.\u201d<\/p>\nCarsten Cramer, Chief Executive Officer, emphasizes: \u201cNiko Kovac identifies strongly with BVB, and that\u2019s not the only reason he\u2019s such a good fit for our club. The unity between Niko, his coaching staff, and our sports management is incredibly refreshing. Accordingly, we were able to agree on continuing our collaboration quickly and amicably.\u201d<\/p>\nKovac and his coaching staff took over BVB in the spring of 2025 when the team was in eleventh place in the standings and managed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League on the final matchday of the 2024\u201325 season. Last season, Kovac led the club to a second-place finish. The 73 points earned that season represent the fifth-highest point total in club history.<\/p>\nSporting Director Ole Book says: \u201cA trusting relationship has developed between Niko and me since my first day here. Niko works with extreme meticulousness, and his experience gives him a calmness that benefits the team. We\u2019re in touch almost daily and are working on taking the next steps with the team to ensure BVB\u2019s success.\u201d<\/p>\nKovac has been on the Borussia Dortmund bench for 53 Bundesliga matches so far. He has earned 114 points with his team, which translates to an average of 2.15 points per game. No other BVB head coach has averaged more points than the Croatian.<\/p>\nNiko Kovac says: \u201cTogether, we\u2019ve set a clear course for development and laid important foundations for the future. We want to build on that. We have a clear vision of how we play soccer, how we perform as a team, and what it takes to achieve our goals. The key is that we don\u2019t rest on our laurels, but work every day to get better. We see great potential and are convinced that, together, with full conviction and great determination, we can still achieve a great deal.\u201d<\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Kovac-VVL-2-1791880416240\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/13/vvl/Kovac-VVL-2.jpg\"><\/p>\n","exportedType":"text/html"},"id":"editable-4313265134","prio":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"prio","title":"Prio (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"headline":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"headline","title":"Headline","multiValue":false,"value":"BVB Extends Contract with Kovac Through 2029","exportedType":"text/plain"},"author":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"author","title":"Author","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"teaserType":"relatedContent","match":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"content-fragment","name":"match","title":"Related Match","multiValue":true,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"externalId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"externalId","title":"External ID (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"displayOnHome":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"displayOnHome","title":"Display in News Wall on Homepage","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"url":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"url","title":"Vanity URL (LEAVE EMPTY FOR AUTOMATIC VANITY URL. 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