Tensions in BVB management: Kovac should bring the turn!

Tensions in BVB management: Kovac should bring the turn!

On February 5, 2025, the mood in the management of Borussia Dortmund remains tense. The disharmony between those responsible causes discussions and uncertainties. The focus is particularly on the tensions between sports director Sebastian Kehl and the squad planner Sven Mislintat, while Lars Ricken, the club's sports boss, responded to the problem when the new trainer Niko Kovač was presented. He pointed out that employees of the association have been discredited in the past few weeks and emphasized the importance of internal cooperation.

Hans-Joachim Watzke, the club boss, spoke at the “Spobis” industry meeting about the challenges with which the three managers are faced. They have only been working together for half a year, which according to Watzke has optimization potential. He noticed that in football, "pronounced egos" often meet and everyone "tests limits". The pressure on Ricken increases, as Watzke suggests that the entire management level must march in the same direction in order to be successful in the future.

new trainer, new challenges

Niko Kovač's commitment as head coach until 2026 is to bring Dortmund on a better course. The team is currently on the 11th place in the Bundesliga and strives to return to the Champions League places. Since the dismissal of Nuri Sahin eight days ago there has been uncertainty about the next steps of the club. Kovač, who has no connection to Dortmund as a player, strives for a pragmatic and defensive approach.

for Dortmund Kovač was a goal early on, while other candidates such as Roger Schmidt and Ralf Rangnick were not considered. The association initially recorded an interim solution until the end of the season, which Kovač rejected. He and the association finally agreed on an 18-month contract without the clause in summer.

internal tensions and personnel requirements

The internal tensions between ricking, throat and misintattite cannot be overlooked. Watzke does not officially want to interfere with personnel planning, but expectations are clear: If the problems in the team concept persistently, changes could be inevitable. Matthias Sammer, advisor to the association, has attracted criticism and must no longer comment on games that could further affect trust.

Dortmund's squad has gaps, whereby a left -back, cover in central defense and an additional midfielder is urgently needed. Salih Özcan was brought back from his loan agreement near Wolfsburg, but is not regarded as an equivalent replacement. The team only won an away game in the Bundesliga and is still exposed to difficulties in dealing with pressure.

The way to stability

Kovac is now expected to improve the team's defensive stability and take disciplinary measures. Previously, Sahin was held responsible for the poor form of the team, but the players also contribute to debt. Kovac's approach could contain a harder attitude towards a lack of responsibility.

The challenges that Borussia Dortmund faces underline the need for effective communication and team coachion. Dr. René Paasch emphasizes the importance of respectful coexistence and open communication in the team. Poorly executed tasks and failures have a negative impact on team coachion, while successes are raising their perception. It is all the more important that Kovač appears not only as a trainer, but also as a leader that the team brings together and drives them forward.