Borussia Dortmund has officially appointed former Bayern Munich manager Niko Kovac as their new head coach on a contract running until 2026. Sporting director Lars Ricken confirmed the news on Wednesday, marking a new chapter for the struggling Bundesliga giants.
Dortmund Confirms Kovac’s Appointment
Following Dortmund’s 3-1 Champions League victory over Shakhtar Donetsk, Ricken spoke to DAZN about the club’s latest managerial decision:
“We have officially secured an agreement with Niko. Mike Tullberg will oversee the squad for Saturday’s Bundesliga clash against Heidenheim, after which Niko will assume full managerial duties on Sunday.”
Kovac replaces Nuri Sahin, who was dismissed last week, with Mike Tullberg acting as interim coach in the meantime.
Kovac Secures Long-Term Deal
Earlier in the day, German publication Bild reported that Kovac and Dortmund had reached a “basic agreement.” Kovac reportedly insisted on a long-term deal rather than a short-term contract until the season’s end, ensuring stability for the club.
Kovac’s Managerial Journey
Niko Kovac, 53, has a strong managerial résumé, with previous stints at top German clubs:
- Eintracht Frankfurt (2016-2018): Led the club to a shock DFB-Pokal triumph over Bayern Munich in 2018.
- Bayern Munich (2018-2019): Secured a domestic double in his first season but was dismissed the following campaign due to inconsistent performances.
- Wolfsburg (2022-2024): Managed the team until his departure in March 2024.
Renowned for his strict tactical discipline and emphasis on fitness, Kovac will be tasked with restoring Dortmund’s identity on the pitch.
A Struggling Dortmund Squad
Dortmund’s struggles this season have been evident. After reaching last season’s Champions League final, their domestic form has been disappointing:
- Current Bundesliga Position: 11th place
- Points Behind Bayern Munich: 22
- Recent Form: Just one win in their last eight league matches
With Dortmund slipping down the table, Kovac faces an immediate challenge to turn things around.
What’s Next for Dortmund?
With Kovac now at the helm, Borussia Dortmund will be hoping for a swift turnaround to salvage their season and re-establish themselves as a competitive force in German football. Fans will be eager to see whether his disciplined approach can revive Dortmund’s campaign.
Can Kovac bring Dortmund back to the top? Share your thoughts in the comments!
