JUST IN: Dortmund appoint Niko Kovac new head coach
Borussia Dortmund have announced the appointment of Niko Kovac as their new head coach, just a week after parting ways with Nuri Sahin.
The 53-year-old Berlin native will take over on Sunday, one day after Dortmund’s Bundesliga clash against Heidenheim. Kovac has signed a contract with the club that runs until 30 June 2026.
A Thursday statement on the club website titled, “Borussia Dortmund appoint Niko Kovac,” revealed this.
NewsNGR Online reported on January 22 that the club sacked former head coach Nuri Sahin, who was appointed at the beginning of the season.
Kovac’s brother, Tapalovic
Joining Kovac in the dugout will be his brother and former Dortmund player, Robert Kovac, as well as Filip Tapalovic, who will both serve as assistant coaches.
The trio will aim to stabilise the eight-time German champions and push them toward success in domestic and European competitions.
Kovac brings a wealth of experience to Dortmund, having previously led Eintracht Frankfurt to a DFB-Pokal triumph in 2018, secured a domestic double with Bayern Munich in 2019, and guided AS Monaco to the Coupe de France final in 2021.
His coaching career has been marked by resilience and tactical prowess, qualities Dortmund hopes will help them navigate a challenging period.
Dortmund chief
Dortmund’s managing director of sport, Lars Ricken, expressed confidence in the new appointment.
He stated, “We’ve held intensive talks with Niko Kovac over the past few days and have consciously taken the time to get to know each other and our expectations.
“Niko’s teams have always been characterised by energy, determination, and a sense of the importance of team spirit. We want to feel and see all of this both on and off the pitch.
“We find ourselves in a challenging situation and are certain that in Niko we have found a coach who is capable of overcoming it.”
Kovac reax
Kovac himself is eager to get started and has emphasised his commitment to the club’s objectives.
“The talks with Lars Ricken were very constructive, with the necessary depth, clarity, and knowledge of the situation.
“All those responsible at BVB gave us a very good feeling during the talks, so I am convinced that we can achieve a lot together in the future.
“The most important thing for all of us now is to have absolute determination, a big heart, and the willingness to work hard to represent Borussia Dortmund in the best possible way in the Bundesliga, the Champions League, and at the Club World Cup in the summer. We are taking on this challenge with determination and focus.”
Borussia Dortmund will officially introduce Kovac at a press conference next week, where he is expected to outline his vision for the club, the statement concluded.
His appointment marks a new chapter for BVB, who will look to regain their competitive edge under his leadership.
