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Pre-Match Report

Squad status ahead of the Super Cup: These are the players Kovac can count on

“The roster is pretty full” – that’s the good news. But it also presents BVB coach Niko Kovac with a challenge: “We’ll have to cut a few players.” Here’s the roster situation ahead of Saturday’s Super Cup match against Bayern Munich (20:30, live on Sat.1, Joyn, and Sky).

Waldemar Anton (training management), Maxi Beier (knee injury), and Carney Chukwuemeka (muscle issues) were unable to play in the season opener against AS Roma. Beier has already returned this week. “Waldi is also ready to train fully with the team and play in Saturday’s game,” said Kovac. Carney Chukwuemeka took part in team training for the first time on Thursday. “Maybe he’ll be an option for the weekend.” Emre Can (torn cruciate ligament) and Nico Schlotterbeck (ankle) remain sidelined.

Focus on the New Signings

Particular attention is being paid to new signings Giannis Konstantelias and Joey Veerman, who joined BVB at the start of the week. “Giannis isn’t arriving until tonight and will train with the team for the first time tomorrow,” said Kovac. “Joey has only had two or three training sessions with the team. Giannis hasn’t had any yet. Still, I know they’re physically fit and have playing time under their belts. I see no reason not to include them in the roster.”

Veerman is a “similar type of player to Felix Nmecha – very confident on the ball. Someone who demands and seeks out every ball. That’s what we need in the transition from defense to attack,” Kovac said about his midfield. “Sabi and Jobe are the two players who are similar in style. We have a good mix.”

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Although Konstantinos Karetsas is also new to BVB, he already has two friendly matches under his belt with his new teammates. “In the games against Arsenal and Roma, we already saw what Kosta can do with the ball – how he sets up his teammates but also how he can make himself a key player. That’s what we were looking for,” explains the BVB coach. “But at 18, he still has a lot to learn. The leap from the Belgian league is a big one. That’s why we’ll bring him along carefully.”

It remains to be seen who Kovac will actually field in the battle for the season’s first title. At the very least, the coach is spoiled for choice.
Christina Reinke

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