News

BVB Evonik Japan Tour: These Players Are Participating

With just over a week to go until departure, the roster for the BVB Evonik Japan Tour is taking shape. The first names for the eight-day trip to Japan (starting 26 July) have been confirmed, where friendly matches against Cerezo Osaka and FC Tokyo await.

The preliminary roster

Alexander Meyer
Patrick Drewes
Diant Ramaj
Yan Couto
Waldemar Anton
Jobe Bellingham
Felix Nmecha
Serhou Guirassy
Maximilian Beier
Carney Chukwuemeka
Fabio Silva
Joane Gadou
Daniel Svensson
Justin Lerma
Filippo Mane
Samuele Inacio
Mathis Albert
Almugera, Kabar
Takato Yamamoto
Luca Reggiani

Not included are World Cup participants Gregor Kobel, Ramy Bensebaini, Julian Ryerson, and Marcel Sabitzer, as well as the injured Emre Can and Nico Schlotterbeck.

Friendly Matches in Japan

Cerezo Osaka vs. BVB

Date and time: 29 July 2026, 19:00 (JST), 12:00 (CEST)
Tickets: Get yours now
Broadcast: BVB-TV, Sky, DAZN

FC Tokyo – BVB

Date and time: 1 August 2026, 19:00 (JST), 12:00 (CEST)
Tickets: Get yours now
Broadcast: BVB-TV, Sky, DAZN

More News

{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Departments","multiValue":true,"value":"Women Football","exportedType":"text/plain"},"dataLayer":{"editable-6d26a1f253":{"dc:description":"The Borussia Dortmund women\u2019s Regional League soccer team set off on Friday for a one-week training camp in the Kitzbühel Alps. Through intensive training sessions and a friendly match against Bundesliga club FSV Mainz 05, the team aims to lay the groundwork for the upcoming competitive season.<\/p>\n","xdm:linkURL":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/7/17/Off-to-the-Alps-BVB-Women-head-to-training-camp.html","@type":"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable","dc:title":"Off to the Alps \u2013 BVB Women head to training camp","repo:modifyDate":"2026-07-17T12:57:00Z"}},"displayTag":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayTag","title":"Display Department","multiValue":true,"value":[""],"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/2026/7/17/Off-to-the-Alps-BVB-Women-head-to-training-camp.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/07/17/trainingslager-frauen/Kempe-Schuster-Flugzeug.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":"17.07.26 12:57 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"The Borussia Dortmund women\u2019s Regional League soccer team set off on Friday for a one-week training camp in the Kitzbühel Alps. Through intensive training sessions and a friendly match against Bundesliga club FSV Mainz 05, the team aims to lay the groundwork for the upcoming competitive season.<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"The Borussia Dortmund women\u2019s Regional League soccer team set off on Friday for a one-week training camp in the Kitzbühel Alps. Through intensive training sessions and a friendly match against Bundesliga club FSV Mainz 05, the team aims to lay the groundwork for the upcoming competitive season.","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":"As the first chime of 12:30 rang out in Westendorf\u2019s village square, the BVB bus pulled up in front of the Hotel Schermer. On board: the 45-member BVB delegation, including 28 players. In addition to the entire first team, Mia Böger and Nora Willeke from the reserve team, as well as Ajshe Bitiq from the U17 squad, traveled to Austria with the group. \n<\/p>\n\u201cWe\u2019re using our time here like a normal training week under great conditions, working toward the friendly against a top opponent and focusing on integrating the new players,\u201d says Coach Markus Högner, adding about the training content: \u201cWe\u2019ve developed a playbook with principles that we\u2019ve already shared with the team. Now it\u2019s time to implement certain procedures in training, especially how we want to approach pressing.\u201d<\/p>\nAs part of the training camp, the BVB Women will face Bundesliga newcomer FSV Mainz 05 on Wednesday, 22 July. The match in neighboring Hopfgarten im Brixental kicks off at 17:00. <a href=\"https://pluto.tv/gsa/live-tv/66337ea1307fa300082c28a0?utm_source=bvbde&utm_medium=livestream-promo&utm_campaign=70000372\">(Pluto TV will stream it live)<\/a>. After returning next Friday (24 July), another tough test against Dutch first-division club SC Heerenveen is scheduled for Sunday, 26 July 26, at 15:30 at the training center in Dortmund-Brackel.<\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Popp-Flughafen-1784293036593\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/07/17/trainingslager-frauen/Popp-Flughafen.jpg\"><\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Frauen-Schumacher-1784293051678\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/07/17/trainingslager-frauen/Frauen-Schumacher.jpg\"><\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"As the first chime of 12:30 rang out in Westendorf\u2019s village square, the BVB bus pulled up in front of the Hotel Schermer. On board: the 45-member BVB delegation, including 28 players. In addition to the entire first team, Mia Böger and Nora Willeke from the reserve team, as well as Ajshe Bitiq from the U17 squad, traveled to Austria with the group. \n<\/p>\n\u201cWe\u2019re using our time here like a normal training week under great conditions, working toward the friendly against a top opponent and focusing on integrating the new players,\u201d says Coach Markus Högner, adding about the training content: \u201cWe\u2019ve developed a playbook with principles that we\u2019ve already shared with the team. Now it\u2019s time to implement certain procedures in training, especially how we want to approach pressing.\u201d<\/p>\nAs part of the training camp, the BVB Women will face Bundesliga newcomer FSV Mainz 05 on Wednesday, 22 July. The match in neighboring Hopfgarten im Brixental kicks off at 17:00. <a href=\"https://pluto.tv/gsa/live-tv/66337ea1307fa300082c28a0?utm_source=bvbde&utm_medium=livestream-promo&utm_campaign=70000372\">(Pluto TV will stream it live)<\/a>. After returning next Friday (24 July), another tough test against Dutch first-division club SC Heerenveen is scheduled for Sunday, 26 July 26, at 15:30 at the training center in Dortmund-Brackel.<\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Popp-Flughafen-1784293036593\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/07/17/trainingslager-frauen/Popp-Flughafen.jpg\"><\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Frauen-Schumacher-1784293051678\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/07/17/trainingslager-frauen/Frauen-Schumacher.jpg\"><\/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":"Off to the Alps \u2013 BVB Women head to training camp","exportedType":"text/plain"},"displayOnHomeMainstage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayOnHomeMainstage","title":"Display in Main Stage on Homepage","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"author":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"author","title":"Author","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"teaserType":"relatedContent","match":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"content-fragment","name":"match","title":"Related Match","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"externalId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"externalId","title":"External ID (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":"738539390","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. DO NOT EDIT EXISTING VALUES!)","multiValue":false,"value":"2026/7/17/Off-to-the-Alps-BVB-Women-head-to-training-camp","exportedType":"text/plain"},"push":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"push","title":"Push (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"tags":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"tags","title":"Tags","multiValue":true,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"scheduledPushTime":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"calendar","name":"scheduledPushTime","title":"Scheduled Push Date and Time","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"calendar"},"mainCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"mainCategory","title":"News Type","multiValue":true,"value":["bvbweb:news/category/other"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"appExportSuccess":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"appExportSuccess","title":"App Export Successful (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"displayinnewoverview":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"displayinnewoverview","html":"true<\/p>","title":"Display in News Overview","multiValue":false,"value":"true","exportedType":"text/plain"},"temporaryAppImage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"temporaryAppImage","title":"App Image","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/de/news/2026/07/17/trainingslager-frauen/A-Schumacher-Enderle.jpg"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"isClubMemberNews":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"isClubMemberNews","title":"Club-member only News?","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"}}

{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Departments","multiValue":true,"value":"Tickets","exportedType":"text/plain"},"dataLayer":{"editable-345c585281":{"dc:description":"It was a cup night that made history! Two years ago, 40,000 BVB fans turned Hamburg\u2019s Volksparkstadion into what felt like a home game for Borussia Dortmund during the first-round match against Phönix Lübeck. With a total of 50,971 spectators, a sensational record was set for a first-round match\u2014and the impressive crowd was, above all, one thing: Black and Yellow. Now Borussia Dortmund is returning to this venue for the kickoff of the new cup season. <\/p>\n","xdm:linkURL":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/7/16/Lets-make-Hamburg-Black-and-Yellow-again-The-dream-of-the-DFB-Cup-begins.html","@type":"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable","dc:title":"Let\u2019s make Hamburg Black and Yellow again! The dream of the DFB Cup begins","repo:modifyDate":"2026-07-17T10:00:00Z"}},"displayTag":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayTag","title":"Display Department","multiValue":true,"value":[""],"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/2026/7/16/Lets-make-Hamburg-Black-and-Yellow-again-The-dream-of-the-DFB-Cup-begins.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/07/16/vvk-info-hebc/Volksparkstadion-Fans.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":"17.07.26 10:00 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"It was a cup night that made history! Two years ago, 40,000 BVB fans turned Hamburg\u2019s Volksparkstadion into what felt like a home game for Borussia Dortmund during the first-round match against Phönix Lübeck. With a total of 50,971 spectators, a sensational record was set for a first-round match\u2014and the impressive crowd was, above all, one thing: Black and Yellow. Now Borussia Dortmund is returning to this venue for the kickoff of the new cup season. <\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"It was a cup night that made history! Two years ago, 40,000 BVB fans turned Hamburg\u2019s Volksparkstadion into what felt like a home game for Borussia Dortmund during the first-round match against Phönix Lübeck. With a total of 50,971 spectators, a sensational record was set for a first-round match\u2014and the impressive crowd was, above all, one thing: Black and Yellow. Now Borussia Dortmund is returning to this venue for the kickoff of the new cup season.","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":"On Tuesday, 1 September 2026, at 8:45 p.m., BVB will face the Hamburg-Eimsbütteler-Ballspiel-Club in the first round of the DFB Cup. The Oberliga team will also be moving to the big arena for this match. \n<\/p>\nLet\u2019s paint Hamburg Black and Yellow once again! Help make this another unforgettable Cup night and support our team as they take the first step on what we hope will be a long journey in the DFB Cup!<\/p>\n<h2>Ticket Information<\/h2>\nAdvance ticket sales for the game begin on Friday (July 17) at 12:00 p.m.<\/p>\nClub members can purchase up to six tickets through <a href=\"https://www.ticket-onlineshop.com/queue/view?c=tixx&e=tixxbvb2fav11&ver=javascript-4.4.3&cver=418&man=TIXX+BVB&t=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticket-onlineshop.com%2Fols%2Fbvb%2Fde%2Fprofis%2Fchannel%2Fshop%2Findex%3Futm_source%3Dbvbde%26utm_medium%3Dnews%26utm_campaign%3Dprofi-tickets2627%26bvb_cid%3Dprofi-tickets2627&kupver=akamai-4.4.3\">the online ticket shop<\/a>. As with home games, the tickets will be available in your account as Print@Home or mobile tickets after booking.<\/p>\nPrices<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Standing room (Block 14 A): \u20ac16.50<\/li>\n<li>Seated tickets, Price Category 5: \u20ac31.90<\/li>\n<li>Seated tickets, Price Category 4: \u20ac38.50<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nThe visiting team\u2019s allocated seating area is located in the South Stand in blocks 14 A, B, and C through 9 A, B, and C. These blocks will be made available for ticket purchase in stages, in accordance with the home club\u2019s guidelines.<\/p>\nGeneral advance ticket sales begin on Monday (July 20) at 12:00 p.m. in <a href=\"https://www.ticket-onlineshop.com/queue/view?c=tixx&e=tixxbvb2fav11&ver=javascript-4.4.3&cver=418&man=TIXX+BVB&t=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticket-onlineshop.com%2Fols%2Fbvb%2Fde%2Fprofis%2Fchannel%2Fshop%2Findex%3Futm_source%3Dbvbde%26utm_medium%3Dnews%26utm_campaign%3Dprofi-tickets2627%26bvb_cid%3Dprofi-tickets2627&kupver=akamai-4.4.3\">the online ticket shop<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"On Tuesday, 1 September 2026, at 8:45 p.m., BVB will face the Hamburg-Eimsbütteler-Ballspiel-Club in the first round of the DFB Cup. The Oberliga team will also be moving to the big arena for this match. \n<\/p>\nLet\u2019s paint Hamburg Black and Yellow once again! Help make this another unforgettable Cup night and support our team as they take the first step on what we hope will be a long journey in the DFB Cup!<\/p>\n<h2>Ticket Information<\/h2>\nAdvance ticket sales for the game begin on Friday (July 17) at 12:00 p.m.<\/p>\nClub members can purchase up to six tickets through <a href=\"https://www.ticket-onlineshop.com/queue/view?c=tixx&e=tixxbvb2fav11&ver=javascript-4.4.3&cver=418&man=TIXX+BVB&t=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticket-onlineshop.com%2Fols%2Fbvb%2Fde%2Fprofis%2Fchannel%2Fshop%2Findex%3Futm_source%3Dbvbde%26utm_medium%3Dnews%26utm_campaign%3Dprofi-tickets2627%26bvb_cid%3Dprofi-tickets2627&kupver=akamai-4.4.3\">the online ticket shop<\/a>. As with home games, the tickets will be available in your account as Print@Home or mobile tickets after booking.<\/p>\nPrices<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Standing room (Block 14 A): \u20ac16.50<\/li>\n<li>Seated tickets, Price Category 5: \u20ac31.90<\/li>\n<li>Seated tickets, Price Category 4: \u20ac38.50<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nThe visiting team\u2019s allocated seating area is located in the South Stand in blocks 14 A, B, and C through 9 A, B, and C. These blocks will be made available for ticket purchase in stages, in accordance with the home club\u2019s guidelines.<\/p>\nGeneral advance ticket sales begin on Monday (July 20) at 12:00 p.m. in <a href=\"https://www.ticket-onlineshop.com/queue/view?c=tixx&e=tixxbvb2fav11&ver=javascript-4.4.3&cver=418&man=TIXX+BVB&t=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticket-onlineshop.com%2Fols%2Fbvb%2Fde%2Fprofis%2Fchannel%2Fshop%2Findex%3Futm_source%3Dbvbde%26utm_medium%3Dnews%26utm_campaign%3Dprofi-tickets2627%26bvb_cid%3Dprofi-tickets2627&kupver=akamai-4.4.3\">the online ticket shop<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","exportedType":"text/html"},"id":"editable-345c585281","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":"Let\u2019s make Hamburg Black and Yellow again! The dream of the DFB Cup begins","exportedType":"text/plain"},"displayOnHomeMainstage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayOnHomeMainstage","title":"Display in Main Stage on Homepage","multiValue":false,"value":"one","exportedType":"text/plain"},"author":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"author","title":"Author","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"teaserType":"relatedContent","match":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"content-fragment","name":"match","html":"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/matches/football/profis/2026_2027/231/2638508_1_hamburg-eimsbuettelerbc-borussiadortmund<\/p>","title":"Related Match","multiValue":false,"value":"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/matches/football/profis/2026_2027/231/2638508_1_hamburg-eimsbuettelerbc-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. DO NOT EDIT EXISTING VALUES!)","multiValue":false,"value":"2026/7/16/Lets-make-Hamburg-Black-and-Yellow-again-The-dream-of-the-DFB-Cup-begins","exportedType":"text/plain"},"push":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"push","title":"Push (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"tags":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"tags","title":"Tags","multiValue":true,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"scheduledPushTime":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"calendar","name":"scheduledPushTime","title":"Scheduled Push Date and Time","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"calendar"},"mainCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"mainCategory","title":"News Type","multiValue":true,"value":["bvbweb:news/category/other"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"appExportSuccess":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"appExportSuccess","title":"App Export Successful (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"displayinnewoverview":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"displayinnewoverview","html":"true<\/p>","title":"Display in News Overview","multiValue":false,"value":"true","exportedType":"text/plain"},"temporaryAppImage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"temporaryAppImage","title":"App Image","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/07/16/vvk-info-hebc/A-Volksparkstadion-Fans.jpg"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"isClubMemberNews":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"isClubMemberNews","title":"Club-member only News?","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"}}

{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Departments","multiValue":true,"value":"Professionals","exportedType":"text/plain"},"dataLayer":{"editable-6a9c13e012":{"dc:description":"After a long summer break, which Niko Kovac spent enjoying plenty of family time, gardening, and not too much World Cup soccer, his batteries are now fully recharged. \u201cIt\u2019s perfectly clear that we\u2019re now 100 percent ready,\u201d emphasized the BVB head coach in an in-depth interview marking the start of preseason training at Borussia Dortmund. <\/p>\n","xdm:linkURL":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/7/16/Interview-at-the-start-of-training-Kovac-wants-to-squeeze-out-a-few-more-percentage-points.html","@type":"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable","dc:title":"Interview at the start of training: Kovac wants to \u201csqueeze out a few more percentage points\u201d","repo:modifyDate":"2026-07-16T08:30:00Z"}},"displayTag":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayTag","title":"Display Department","multiValue":true,"value":[""],"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/2026/7/16/Interview-at-the-start-of-training-Kovac-wants-to-squeeze-out-a-few-more-percentage-points.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/07/16/kovac-interview/Interview-Kovac.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":"16.07.26 08:30 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"After a long summer break, which Niko Kovac spent enjoying plenty of family time, gardening, and not too much World Cup soccer, his batteries are now fully recharged. \u201cIt\u2019s perfectly clear that we\u2019re now 100 percent ready,\u201d emphasized the BVB head coach in an in-depth interview marking the start of preseason training at Borussia Dortmund. <\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"After a long summer break, which Niko Kovac spent enjoying plenty of family time, gardening, and not too much World Cup soccer, his batteries are now fully recharged. \u201cIt\u2019s perfectly clear that we\u2019re now 100 percent ready,\u201d emphasized the BVB head coach in an in-depth interview marking the start of preseason training at Borussia Dortmund.","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":"After the start of preseason training, the BVB coach also spoke about his first impressions of training, his take on the new signings, and his goals. He also reveals where he sees specific room for improvement in his rejuvenated team. \n<\/p>\nOn a scale of 1 to 10, how ready and fired up are you for the new season?<\/b> \n\u201cAfter eight weeks of vacation, it\u2019s absolutely clear that we\u2019re 100 percent ready and that we\u2019re at a 10 on the scale. We\u2019re looking forward to our sport again, to our profession. We want to get back in the game, we want to train again, we want to be successful again. And that\u2019s why we\u2019re glad we\u2019re all back together!\u201d<\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Kovac-Interview-2-1784188540671\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/07/16/kovac-interview/Kovac-Interview-2.jpg\"><\/p>\nWhat kind of season do you think is in store now that it\u2019s starting? Last season we finished in second place and racked up a whopping 73 points. Where\u2019s there still room for improvement? \n <\/b>\u201cAs a coach, you\u2019re never satisfied. If you break it down by the three competitions we had, you can be satisfied with the Bundesliga season. In the two cup competitions\u2014the Champions League and the DFB Cup\u2014we have room for improvement. We certainly want to perform better there than we did last year. Every single player can improve\u2014technically, tactically, and physically. So we\u2019re not done yet, especially since we now have so many young players on the team. The progress we\u2019ve made has been very, very good. And yet we can still squeeze out a few more percentage points.\u201d<\/p>\nCarsten Cramer recently said in an interview: \u201cWe\u2019re approaching the season with ambition, without committing to a specific league position just yet. And at the same time, we need to give it time because we\u2019re getting younger.\u201d Where do Joane Gadou, Justin Lerma, and Kaua Prates\u2014who\u2019ve just arrived here\u2014stand? \n <\/b>\u201cFirst of all, I don\u2019t want to contradict my boss; he\u2019s absolutely right. Soccer is about continuity, stability, and development. All three are foreign players coming to Germany, who are naturally entering a completely different environment. That\u2019s why we have to give the lads time to acclimate, integrate, and grow into the team here. And BVB has been known for the past few decades for giving these players those opportunities. And that\u2019s what we want, too. We want to be successful with good, talented young players. I agree with Carsten Cramer\u2014there will always be ups and downs. If that happens, we have to be a little forgiving.\u201d<\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Kovac-Interview-1784188532672\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/07/16/kovac-interview/Kovac-Interview.jpg\"><\/p>\nA year ago, you talked about unity\u2014how important it is to reach your goals faster when everyone pulls together. But now the preparation is completely different. How easy or difficult is it to foster that unity when you don\u2019t really know the team\u2019s makeup that well yet? \n <\/b>\u201cThe lads who were already here know exactly what we focus on, what we need to be successful as a team and as a club. We\u2019ll integrate the new players quickly. In soccer, that actually happens relatively quickly and very easily. We\u2019ll have to wait a little while longer for the first World Cup players to return, so that the young players can get to know these stars who were at the World Cup\u2014and then learn to love and appreciate them. But we\u2019ll make it happen. We managed it last year in those three weeks. Now we\u2019ll manage it in the six or three weeks once the national team players are back. As always, I\u2019m very confident!\u201d<\/p>\nThe full interview with Niko Kovac is available here.<\/p>\n<a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVvB9uhl184\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">To YouTube<\/a><\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"After the start of preseason training, the BVB coach also spoke about his first impressions of training, his take on the new signings, and his goals. He also reveals where he sees specific room for improvement in his rejuvenated team. \n<\/p>\nOn a scale of 1 to 10, how ready and fired up are you for the new season?<\/b> \n\u201cAfter eight weeks of vacation, it\u2019s absolutely clear that we\u2019re 100 percent ready and that we\u2019re at a 10 on the scale. We\u2019re looking forward to our sport again, to our profession. We want to get back in the game, we want to train again, we want to be successful again. And that\u2019s why we\u2019re glad we\u2019re all back together!\u201d<\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Kovac-Interview-2-1784188540671\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/07/16/kovac-interview/Kovac-Interview-2.jpg\"><\/p>\nWhat kind of season do you think is in store now that it\u2019s starting? Last season we finished in second place and racked up a whopping 73 points. Where\u2019s there still room for improvement? \n <\/b>\u201cAs a coach, you\u2019re never satisfied. If you break it down by the three competitions we had, you can be satisfied with the Bundesliga season. In the two cup competitions\u2014the Champions League and the DFB Cup\u2014we have room for improvement. We certainly want to perform better there than we did last year. Every single player can improve\u2014technically, tactically, and physically. So we\u2019re not done yet, especially since we now have so many young players on the team. The progress we\u2019ve made has been very, very good. And yet we can still squeeze out a few more percentage points.\u201d<\/p>\nCarsten Cramer recently said in an interview: \u201cWe\u2019re approaching the season with ambition, without committing to a specific league position just yet. And at the same time, we need to give it time because we\u2019re getting younger.\u201d Where do Joane Gadou, Justin Lerma, and Kaua Prates\u2014who\u2019ve just arrived here\u2014stand? \n <\/b>\u201cFirst of all, I don\u2019t want to contradict my boss; he\u2019s absolutely right. Soccer is about continuity, stability, and development. All three are foreign players coming to Germany, who are naturally entering a completely different environment. That\u2019s why we have to give the lads time to acclimate, integrate, and grow into the team here. And BVB has been known for the past few decades for giving these players those opportunities. And that\u2019s what we want, too. We want to be successful with good, talented young players. I agree with Carsten Cramer\u2014there will always be ups and downs. If that happens, we have to be a little forgiving.\u201d<\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Kovac-Interview-1784188532672\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/07/16/kovac-interview/Kovac-Interview.jpg\"><\/p>\nA year ago, you talked about unity\u2014how important it is to reach your goals faster when everyone pulls together. But now the preparation is completely different. How easy or difficult is it to foster that unity when you don\u2019t really know the team\u2019s makeup that well yet? \n <\/b>\u201cThe lads who were already here know exactly what we focus on, what we need to be successful as a team and as a club. We\u2019ll integrate the new players quickly. In soccer, that actually happens relatively quickly and very easily. We\u2019ll have to wait a little while longer for the first World Cup players to return, so that the young players can get to know these stars who were at the World Cup\u2014and then learn to love and appreciate them. But we\u2019ll make it happen. We managed it last year in those three weeks. Now we\u2019ll manage it in the six or three weeks once the national team players are back. As always, I\u2019m very confident!\u201d<\/p>\nThe full interview with Niko Kovac is available here.<\/p>\n<a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVvB9uhl184\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">To YouTube<\/a><\/p>\n","exportedType":"text/html"},"id":"editable-6a9c13e012","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":"Interview at the start of training: Kovac wants to \u201csqueeze out a few more percentage points\u201d","exportedType":"text/plain"},"displayOnHomeMainstage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayOnHomeMainstage","title":"Display in Main Stage on Homepage","multiValue":false,"value":"three","exportedType":"text/plain"},"author":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"author","title":"Author","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"teaserType":"relatedContent","match":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"content-fragment","name":"match","title":"Related Match","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"externalId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"externalId","title":"External ID (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":"1593182317","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. DO NOT EDIT EXISTING VALUES!)","multiValue":false,"value":"2026/7/16/Interview-at-the-start-of-training-Kovac-wants-to-squeeze-out-a-few-more-percentage-points","exportedType":"text/plain"},"push":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"push","title":"Push (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"tags":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"tags","title":"Tags","multiValue":true,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"scheduledPushTime":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"calendar","name":"scheduledPushTime","title":"Scheduled Push Date and Time","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"calendar"},"mainCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"mainCategory","title":"News Type","multiValue":true,"value":["bvbweb:news/category/interview"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"appExportSuccess":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"appExportSuccess","title":"App Export Successful (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"displayinnewoverview":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"displayinnewoverview","html":"true<\/p>","title":"Display in News Overview","multiValue":false,"value":"true","exportedType":"text/plain"},"temporaryAppImage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"temporaryAppImage","title":"App Image","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/07/16/kovac-interview/A-Interview-Kovac.jpg"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"isClubMemberNews":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"isClubMemberNews","title":"Club-member only News?","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"}}

{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Departments","multiValue":true,"value":"Professionals","exportedType":"text/plain"},"dataLayer":{"editable-3304a94386":{"dc:description":"The start of the regular season is fast approaching: The Bundesliga has now set the exact dates for the first four matchdays. This means it\u2019s also clear when BVB\u2019s season opener against Hamburger SV will take place.<\/p>\n","xdm:linkURL":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/7/15/Two-top-matches-for-BVB-The-dates-for-the-start-of-the-Bundesliga-season-have-been-set.html","@type":"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable","dc:title":"Two top matches for BVB: The dates for the start of the Bundesliga season have been set","repo:modifyDate":"2026-07-15T09:00:00Z"}},"displayTag":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayTag","title":"Display Department","multiValue":true,"value":[""],"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/2026/7/15/Two-top-matches-for-BVB-The-dates-for-the-start-of-the-Bundesliga-season-have-been-set.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/07/15/ansetzungen-bundesliga/Baelle-Bundesliga.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":"15.07.26 09:00 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"The start of the regular season is fast approaching: The Bundesliga has now set the exact dates for the first four matchdays. This means it\u2019s also clear when BVB\u2019s season opener against Hamburger SV will take place.<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"The start of the regular season is fast approaching: The Bundesliga has now set the exact dates for the first four matchdays. This means it\u2019s also clear when BVB\u2019s season opener against Hamburger SV will take place.","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":"On the first matchday of the Bundesliga, the northern German team will be the visitors for the top match on Saturday (19 Aug.) at 18:30 at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK. On the following two matchdays, BVB will play at the traditional Bundesliga kickoff time of 15:30 on Saturday: away at TSG Hoffenheim (5 Sept.) and at home against newly promoted Paderborn (12 Sept). The match at VfB Stuttgart on 19 September is another top match kicking off at 18:30. After that, the Bundesliga will take its first break of the 2026\u201327 season to make way for national team play.<\/p>\n<h2>An Overview of the Bundesliga Matchdays<\/b><\/h2>\n<table border=\"1\" cellpadding=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\">\n<tbody><tr><td>Matchday<\/b><\/td>\n<td>Date<\/b><\/td>\n<td>Time<\/b><\/td>\n<td>Match<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>1<\/td>\n<td>Aug. 29<\/td>\n<td>18:30<\/td>\n<td>BVB vs. Hamburger SV<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>2<\/td>\n<td>September 5<\/td>\n<td>15:30<\/td>\n<td>TSG 1899 Hoffenheim vs. BVB<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>3<\/td>\n<td>September 12<\/td>\n<td>15:30<\/td>\n<td>BVB \u2013 SC Paderborn<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>4<\/td>\n<td>September 19<\/td>\n<td>18:30<\/td>\n<td>VfB Stuttgart vs. BVB<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>5<\/td>\n<td>Oct. 9\u201311<\/td>\n<td> <\/td>\n<td>BVB vs. Werder Bremen<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>6<\/td>\n<td>Oct. 16\u201318<\/td>\n<td> <\/td>\n<td>Union Berlin vs. BVB<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>7<\/td>\n<td>Oct. 23\u201325<\/td>\n<td> <\/td>\n<td>BVB vs. Eintracht Frankfurt<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>8<\/td>\n<td>Oct. 30\u2013Nov. 1<\/td>\n<td> <\/td>\n<td>Bayern Munich \u2013 BVB<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>9<\/td>\n<td>Nov. 6\u20138<\/td>\n<td> <\/td>\n<td>BVB vs. SV Elversberg<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>10<\/td>\n<td>Nov. 20\u201322<\/td>\n<td> <\/td>\n<td>Borussia Mönchengladbach vs. BVB<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>11<\/td>\n<td>Nov. 27\u201329<\/td>\n<td> <\/td>\n<td>BVB vs. Bayer Leverkusen<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>12<\/td>\n<td>Dec. 4\u20136<\/td>\n<td> <\/td>\n<td>FC Schalke 04 vs. BVB<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>13<\/td>\n<td>Dec. 11\u201313<\/td>\n<td> <\/td>\n<td>BVB vs. FC Augsburg<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>14<\/td>\n<td>Dec. 18\u201320<\/td>\n<td> <\/td>\n<td>Rasenballsport Leipzig \u2013 BVB<\/td>\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"On the first matchday of the Bundesliga, the northern German team will be the visitors for the top match on Saturday (19 Aug.) at 18:30 at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK. On the following two matchdays, BVB will play at the traditional Bundesliga kickoff time of 15:30 on Saturday: away at TSG Hoffenheim (5 Sept.) and at home against newly promoted Paderborn (12 Sept). The match at VfB Stuttgart on 19 September is another top match kicking off at 18:30. After that, the Bundesliga will take its first break of the 2026\u201327 season to make way for national team play.<\/p>\n<h2>An Overview of the Bundesliga Matchdays<\/b><\/h2>\n<table border=\"1\" cellpadding=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\">\n<tbody><tr><td>Matchday<\/b><\/td>\n<td>Date<\/b><\/td>\n<td>Time<\/b><\/td>\n<td>Match<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>1<\/td>\n<td>Aug. 29<\/td>\n<td>18:30<\/td>\n<td>BVB vs. Hamburger SV<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>2<\/td>\n<td>September 5<\/td>\n<td>15:30<\/td>\n<td>TSG 1899 Hoffenheim vs. BVB<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>3<\/td>\n<td>September 12<\/td>\n<td>15:30<\/td>\n<td>BVB \u2013 SC Paderborn<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>4<\/td>\n<td>September 19<\/td>\n<td>18:30<\/td>\n<td>VfB Stuttgart vs. BVB<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>5<\/td>\n<td>Oct. 9\u201311<\/td>\n<td> <\/td>\n<td>BVB vs. Werder Bremen<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>6<\/td>\n<td>Oct. 16\u201318<\/td>\n<td> <\/td>\n<td>Union Berlin vs. BVB<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>7<\/td>\n<td>Oct. 23\u201325<\/td>\n<td> <\/td>\n<td>BVB vs. Eintracht Frankfurt<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>8<\/td>\n<td>Oct. 30\u2013Nov. 1<\/td>\n<td> <\/td>\n<td>Bayern Munich \u2013 BVB<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>9<\/td>\n<td>Nov. 6\u20138<\/td>\n<td> <\/td>\n<td>BVB vs. SV Elversberg<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>10<\/td>\n<td>Nov. 20\u201322<\/td>\n<td> <\/td>\n<td>Borussia Mönchengladbach vs. BVB<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>11<\/td>\n<td>Nov. 27\u201329<\/td>\n<td> <\/td>\n<td>BVB vs. Bayer Leverkusen<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>12<\/td>\n<td>Dec. 4\u20136<\/td>\n<td> <\/td>\n<td>FC Schalke 04 vs. BVB<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>13<\/td>\n<td>Dec. 11\u201313<\/td>\n<td> <\/td>\n<td>BVB vs. FC Augsburg<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>14<\/td>\n<td>Dec. 18\u201320<\/td>\n<td> <\/td>\n<td>Rasenballsport Leipzig \u2013 BVB<\/td>\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n","exportedType":"text/html"},"id":"editable-3304a94386","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":"Two top matches for BVB: The dates for the start of the Bundesliga season have been set","exportedType":"text/plain"},"displayOnHomeMainstage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayOnHomeMainstage","title":"Display in Main Stage on Homepage","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"author":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"author","title":"Author","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"teaserType":"relatedContent","match":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"content-fragment","name":"match","title":"Related Match","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"externalId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"externalId","title":"External ID (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":"1314940346","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. DO NOT EDIT EXISTING VALUES!)","multiValue":false,"value":"2026/7/15/Two-top-matches-for-BVB-The-dates-for-the-start-of-the-Bundesliga-season-have-been-set","exportedType":"text/plain"},"push":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"push","title":"Push (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"tags":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"tags","title":"Tags","multiValue":true,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"scheduledPushTime":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"calendar","name":"scheduledPushTime","title":"Scheduled Push Date and Time","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"calendar"},"mainCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"mainCategory","title":"News Type","multiValue":true,"value":["bvbweb:news/category/other"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"appExportSuccess":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"appExportSuccess","title":"App Export Successful (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"displayinnewoverview":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"displayinnewoverview","html":"true<\/p>","title":"Display in News Overview","multiValue":false,"value":"true","exportedType":"text/plain"},"temporaryAppImage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"temporaryAppImage","title":"App Image","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/07/15/ansetzungen-bundesliga/A-Baelle-Bundesliga.jpg"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"isClubMemberNews":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"isClubMemberNews","title":"Club-member only News?","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"}}

{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Departments","multiValue":true,"value":"Professionals","exportedType":"text/plain"},"dataLayer":{"editable-4313265134":{"dc:description":"Borussia Dortmund kicked off their preseason preparations in earnest on Tuesday afternoon with a team training session lasting just under two hours. Lars Ricken was also present at the training facility in Dortmund-Brackel. The BVB\u2019s sporting director spoke to the media about his impressions of training so far, the club\u2019s future transfer strategy, and his expectations for the new season.<\/p>\n","xdm:linkURL":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/7/14/Heres-how-Lars-Ricken-looks-ahead-to-the-new-BVB-season.html","@type":"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable","dc:title":"Here\u2019s how Lars Ricken looks ahead to the new BVB season","repo:modifyDate":"2026-07-14T14:43:00Z"}},"displayTag":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayTag","title":"Display Department","multiValue":true,"value":[""],"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/2026/7/14/Heres-how-Lars-Ricken-looks-ahead-to-the-new-BVB-season.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/07/14/medienrunde-lars-ricken/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":"14.07.26 14:43 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"Borussia Dortmund kicked off their preseason preparations in earnest on Tuesday afternoon with a team training session lasting just under two hours. Lars Ricken was also present at the training facility in Dortmund-Brackel. The BVB\u2019s sporting director spoke to the media about his impressions of training so far, the club\u2019s future transfer strategy, and his expectations for the new season.<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"Borussia Dortmund kicked off their preseason preparations in earnest on Tuesday afternoon with a team training session lasting just under two hours. Lars Ricken was also present at the training facility in Dortmund-Brackel. The BVB\u2019s sporting director spoke to the media about his impressions of training so far, the club\u2019s future transfer strategy, and his expectations for the new season.","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 his first impressions of preseason: \n <\/b>\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of excitement among all the players and staff. It\u2019s finally starting, and I\u2019m really looking forward to preseason as well. With Arsenal, AS Roma, and Bayern Munich\u2014and if you count the Super Cup match\u2014we\u2019ll be facing three Champions League teams during preseason. It all kicks off today. We want to lay the groundwork to be as successful as possible this season.\u201d<\/p>\n\u2026 BVB\u2019s sporting goals:<\/b> \n\u201cThe season before last, we were still chasing a Champions League spot. Last season was all about stabilizing everything and bringing consistency to our performance. We wanted to get even fitter as a team and get injury issues under control. Niko Kovac and his team did an excellent job of that. Of course, we now want to take the next step. Defensively, we want to be tough\u2014something we\u2019ve managed quite well over the past ten years. Offensively, we want to be an aggressive contender. Our goal is to keep getting better and to thrill our fans.\u201d<\/p>\n\u2026 on the transfer activity so far:<\/b> \n\u201cI can understand a certain impatience on the part of some people. But we, as the people in charge, also have to be patient. We\u2019ve already added three players. With Joane Gadou, we\u2019ve strengthened our central defense, and with Kaua Prates and Justin Lerma, we\u2019ve brought in two young players. Players like Luca Reggiani and Samuele Inacio are also something of a new addition for us. We didn\u2019t necessarily expect them to be at this level already and to make such a significant contribution on the field.\u201d<\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"BVB-Trainingsaufktakt-1784040327928\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/07/14/medienrunde-lars-ricken/BVB-Trainingsaufktakt.jpg\"><\/p>\n\u2026<\/b> on the future transfer strategy:<\/b> \n\u201cWhen it comes to new signings, the primary focus is on quality, not on whether they\u2019re younger or older. We want to sign players who make us better. I\u2019m convinced that we\u2019ll succeed in doing so by the end of the transfer window and that we\u2019ll have a roster that\u2019s stronger and better than last year\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n\u2026 the current roster:<\/b> \n\u201cWe also have players like Carney Chukwuemeka, Fabio Silva, and Jobe Bellingham, whom we signed last year and who are now taking the next step. That\u2019s also what we expect from them. We\u2019ve kept the core of the team together. We want to make one, two, or three more good signings. But we want to make the right signings\u2014not ones that will just get us short-term applause. We\u2019re taking the time to ultimately sign players who will help us on the field.\u201d<\/p>\n\u2026 the balance of the roster:<\/b> \n\u201cPlayers who bring a certain level of experience, quality, and leadership are, of course, very important\u2014especially for the young players. But we have those players in our roster as well\u2014for example, Nico Schlotterbeck, Waldemar Anton, Felix Nmecha, Julian Ryerson, and Marcel Sabitzer. They\u2019re all seasoned players who are extremely important to the younger ones. With them by their side, the younger players can continue to grow and don\u2019t have to take on all the responsibility right away. That\u2019s why I do believe we have a good mix.\u201d<\/p>\n\u2026 on the status of the injured Nico Schlotterbeck:<\/b> \n\u201cIt\u2019s going to take a few more weeks\u2014to be honest, that\u2019s the reality. He was one of the first players back here. That shows his motivation to return as quickly and as strong as possible. We\u2019ll have to see how his recovery progresses.\u201d<\/p>\nRecorded by Mats-Yannick Roth<\/i><\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":" Lars Ricken on his first impressions of preseason: \n <\/b>\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of excitement among all the players and staff. It\u2019s finally starting, and I\u2019m really looking forward to preseason as well. With Arsenal, AS Roma, and Bayern Munich\u2014and if you count the Super Cup match\u2014we\u2019ll be facing three Champions League teams during preseason. It all kicks off today. We want to lay the groundwork to be as successful as possible this season.\u201d<\/p>\n\u2026 BVB\u2019s sporting goals:<\/b> \n\u201cThe season before last, we were still chasing a Champions League spot. Last season was all about stabilizing everything and bringing consistency to our performance. We wanted to get even fitter as a team and get injury issues under control. Niko Kovac and his team did an excellent job of that. Of course, we now want to take the next step. Defensively, we want to be tough\u2014something we\u2019ve managed quite well over the past ten years. Offensively, we want to be an aggressive contender. Our goal is to keep getting better and to thrill our fans.\u201d<\/p>\n\u2026 on the transfer activity so far:<\/b> \n\u201cI can understand a certain impatience on the part of some people. But we, as the people in charge, also have to be patient. We\u2019ve already added three players. With Joane Gadou, we\u2019ve strengthened our central defense, and with Kaua Prates and Justin Lerma, we\u2019ve brought in two young players. Players like Luca Reggiani and Samuele Inacio are also something of a new addition for us. We didn\u2019t necessarily expect them to be at this level already and to make such a significant contribution on the field.\u201d<\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"BVB-Trainingsaufktakt-1784040327928\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/07/14/medienrunde-lars-ricken/BVB-Trainingsaufktakt.jpg\"><\/p>\n\u2026<\/b> on the future transfer strategy:<\/b> \n\u201cWhen it comes to new signings, the primary focus is on quality, not on whether they\u2019re younger or older. We want to sign players who make us better. I\u2019m convinced that we\u2019ll succeed in doing so by the end of the transfer window and that we\u2019ll have a roster that\u2019s stronger and better than last year\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n\u2026 the current roster:<\/b> \n\u201cWe also have players like Carney Chukwuemeka, Fabio Silva, and Jobe Bellingham, whom we signed last year and who are now taking the next step. That\u2019s also what we expect from them. We\u2019ve kept the core of the team together. We want to make one, two, or three more good signings. But we want to make the right signings\u2014not ones that will just get us short-term applause. We\u2019re taking the time to ultimately sign players who will help us on the field.\u201d<\/p>\n\u2026 the balance of the roster:<\/b> \n\u201cPlayers who bring a certain level of experience, quality, and leadership are, of course, very important\u2014especially for the young players. But we have those players in our roster as well\u2014for example, Nico Schlotterbeck, Waldemar Anton, Felix Nmecha, Julian Ryerson, and Marcel Sabitzer. They\u2019re all seasoned players who are extremely important to the younger ones. With them by their side, the younger players can continue to grow and don\u2019t have to take on all the responsibility right away. That\u2019s why I do believe we have a good mix.\u201d<\/p>\n\u2026 on the status of the injured Nico Schlotterbeck:<\/b> \n\u201cIt\u2019s going to take a few more weeks\u2014to be honest, that\u2019s the reality. He was one of the first players back here. That shows his motivation to return as quickly and as strong as possible. We\u2019ll have to see how his recovery progresses.\u201d<\/p>\nRecorded by Mats-Yannick Roth<\/i><\/p>\n","exportedType":"text/html"},"id":"editable-4313265134","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":"Here\u2019s how Lars Ricken looks ahead to the new BVB season","exportedType":"text/plain"},"displayOnHomeMainstage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayOnHomeMainstage","title":"Display in Main Stage on Homepage","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"author":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"author","title":"Author","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"teaserType":"relatedContent","match":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"content-fragment","name":"match","title":"Related Match","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"externalId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"externalId","title":"External ID (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":"-1570406517","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. DO NOT EDIT EXISTING VALUES!)","multiValue":false,"value":"2026/7/14/Heres-how-Lars-Ricken-looks-ahead-to-the-new-BVB-season","exportedType":"text/plain"},"push":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"push","title":"Push (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"tags":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"tags","title":"Tags","multiValue":true,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"scheduledPushTime":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"calendar","name":"scheduledPushTime","title":"Scheduled Push Date and Time","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"calendar"},"mainCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"mainCategory","title":"News Type","multiValue":true,"value":["bvbweb:news/category/interview"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"appExportSuccess":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"appExportSuccess","title":"App Export Successful (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"displayinnewoverview":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"displayinnewoverview","html":"true<\/p>","title":"Display in News Overview","multiValue":false,"value":"true","exportedType":"text/plain"},"temporaryAppImage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"temporaryAppImage","title":"App Image","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/07/14/medienrunde-lars-ricken/A-ricken.jpg"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"isClubMemberNews":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"isClubMemberNews","title":"Club-member only News?","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"}}

BVB-Account

MY PROFILE

BVB Evonik Japan Tour: These Players Are Participating

The preliminary roster

Friendly Matches in Japan

More News