Pre-Match Report
Kovac Ahead of Betis: “There’s Only One Way to Go”
The scenario
Borussia Dortmund returned from Munich on Saturday with a 2-2 draw and thus remains the record champion’s closest pursuer in the Bundesliga: Both teams are tied at the top of the table with 18 points each. Munich holds first place solely due to a better goal differential. A tactical adjustment also contributed to the point: Instead of defending with a back three as usual, BVB played with a back four. When asked whether this approach might be an option more often in the future, Kovac said: “If the team brings it to life the way they did this weekend, it’s no problem at all whether we play a back three or a back four. Attitude, passion, intensity—those are the attributes you need.”
In the UEFA Champions League, the Borussians have won two of their three matches so far: On the first matchday, the Black and Yellows won 3-2 at home against Villarreal CF, and most recently secured a 2-1 away victory at Sabah FC. In between came a 0-1 loss to FK Bodø/Glimt, their only defeat of the season so far. With six points, Borussia are in 13th place in the Champions League standings. By Wednesday evening, they aim to have nine points, as Kovac emphasizes: “Tomorrow, there’s only one direction: We want to win this thing!”
Squad
The coach has a full roster to draw from, with the exception of the long-term injured players: “It’s always nice to have so many players on the practice field. That means everyone is fit and ready to play.” Konstantinos Karetsas is set to be gradually brought back into action following his minutes of play in Munich. In consultation with the medical staff and the athletic training team, his playing time will be increased “step by step.”
Opponent
Real Betis has earned the maximum nine points after three games and sits undefeated in fifth place in the Champions League standings. The Spanish side kicked off the campaign with a 3-2 win at OSC Lille. This was followed by a 3-2 victory over FC Porto and a 1-0 win against Feyenoord Rotterdam. This is the club’s second appearance in the Champions League; during its debut in 2005-06, the team was eliminated after the group stage.
In Spain’s La Liga, the team sits in fourth place after 11 matchdays—behind FC Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, and Real Madrid. Last weekend, Real Betis defeated FC Málaga 2–1.
Niko Kovac expects a strong opponent that places great emphasis on possession but can also transition quickly and dangerously. “We have to impose our style of play, especially here at our stadium with our fans,” emphasizes the BVB coach. He speaks highly of his colleague Manuel Pellegrini, whom he describes as a “great coach” with a wealth of experience.
“We’re feeling good”
Gregor Kobel is also approaching the match with confidence. Despite the tight schedule—with seven games in the last three weeks—the goalkeeper believes the team is in good physical shape: “Based on how I see the team and how I feel myself, I have to say: We’re all at a very, very high athletic level. We feel good and are ready to perform every few days.” The 2-2 draw in Munich was a boost, but confidence had already been high before that. “We knew what we were capable of,” Kobel emphasizes.
Christina Reinke