Optimism has returned to Borussia Dortmund as the club steps into a new campaign with a sense of renewal and a desire to reclaim the spark that once defined them. Head coach Niko Kovač, speaking from the team’s training complex, summed up the atmosphere succinctly: “Overall, we are assembling a solid squad. Four players have departed, we have added a handful of promising talents and an experienced figure, while retaining the core – the goalkeeper, a central defender, and a midfielder. In essence, we are trying to recreate the BVB we once knew.” The emphasis is on bringing back the type of players who can electrify the famous Yellow Wall, those capable of delivering the high‑tempo, counter‑pressing football that became synonymous with Dortmund during the Jurgen Klopp era.
The club had drifted away from that identity, leaning toward older signings in a bid to safeguard Champions League qualification. That pragmatic approach, while sensible, felt at odds with Dortmund’s traditional, daring style. Kovač’s reference to an “experienced player” points to 27‑year‑old midfielder Joey Veerman, who arrived from PSV Eindhoven.
Yet the most buzz‑worthy acquisitions are the two Greek wingers: the eye‑catching Giannis Konstantelias and the 18‑year‑old prospect Konstantin Karetsas. Their arrival has already sparked excitement among supporters. In the recent Franz‑Beckenbauer Supercup, Konstantelias entered the match at halftime and immediately put pressure on Bayern Munich’s back line, helping Dortmund claw back from a two‑goal deficit.
Norwegian defender Julian Ryerson, reflecting on the new arrivals, said, “It looks positive. We had good players last season, but I think these newcomers can take us to a higher level. I feel we are on the right path.” Replacing the departed stars Karim Adeyemi and Julian Brandt will not be simple. Kovač admitted, “We need to find replacements for those goals, and with new signings there’s always a risk they may not deliver.” Yet this uncertainty is part of the allure.
Dortmund is once again daring to dream, betting on the raw potential of its youthful squad. “Our expectations are high because the two Greek attackers possess tremendous talent,” Kovač added.
The question now is whether Kovač can coax that talent into consistent performance. Known for his work‑ethic‑focused approach rather than flamboyant inspiration, he has a track record of success – a cup win with Eintracht Frankfurt and a Bundesliga‑double with Bayern Munich. Critics sometimes label his tactical style as limited, noting his recent experiments with inverted wing‑backs have not attracted the same analytical attention as the innovations of coaches like Vincent Kompany.
When asked about his football philosophy, Kovač simply replied, “Successful football.” He acknowledges that his brand may not be as celebrated as some peers, but he stresses adaptability: “A coach must assess the players you have, understand the situation, and always be ready to adjust.” Kovač’s adaptability was evident when he took over Dortmund in January 2025, a period when the club languished in the lower half of the Bundesliga table, its identity in tatters and European qualification looking unlikely. Dortmund’s chief executive Carsten Cramer praised the turnaround: “When we hired him a year and a half ago, we were in a position we never should have been. He guided us back to the Champions League.” Cramer added, “He loves this club; the black and yellow suit him far better than the red and white of Bayern or the green and white of Wolfsburg.
I’m convinced he’s the right man at the right time.” Kovač reflected on his early days at the club: “I arrived in a difficult situation and had to make changes quickly. We started with a back four, but after a few games it wasn’t working, so we shifted to a back five.” He also highlighted the importance of fitness: “Physical capacity is crucial. When players are fit, decisions become instinctive – you don’t have to calculate whether to run back, forward, defend or attack. You just do it.” Improving the squad’s conditioning was a priority, and it paid off as Dortmund finished fourth that season, then climbed to second place the following year.
The gap to Bayern Munich narrowed under Kovač’s stewardship – from a 25‑point deficit in his first season to 16 points in the next. While a title challenge still feels distant, the progress is tangible.
“Closing that gap requires a lot to happen,” Kovač admitted, noting that Bayern must also drop points for Dortmund to catch up. Recent frustrations have stemmed from missed opportunities; Dortmund squandered a title chance on the final day of the 2023 season and watched Bayer Leverkusen end Bayern’s dominance in 2024. Nevertheless, there is renewed hope that Kovač’s disciplined methodology combined with the high ceiling of the new talents can reignite Dortmund’s ambitions. When asked if he prefers to speak before delivering results, Kovač smiled and replied, “I prefer to let the work speak for itself.” In summary, Borussia Dortmund is embarking on a rebuilding phase that blends seasoned experience with youthful exuberance.
Under Niko Kovač’s pragmatic yet adaptable leadership, the club aims to restore the exhilarating, press‑heavy football that once thrilled the Yellow Wall, while navigating the challenges of replacing departed stars and competing with a dominant Bayern Munich. The journey ahead promises excitement for supporters eager to see the BVB rise once more.