Optimism is back at Borussia Dortmund as the German powerhouse steps into a new campaign with a renewed sense of purpose. Head coach Niko Kovač, speaking from the club's training complex, summed up the atmosphere succinctly: "Overall, we are shaping a solid squad. Four players have departed, we have added some promising talent and a seasoned professional, while retaining the core of our experienced members – the goalkeeper, central defender, and midfield anchor. In essence, we are reconstructing the BVB of yesteryear." This vision translates into a roster that can ignite the famed Yellow Wall with the kind of high‑octane, rock‑and‑roll football that defined Dortmund during the Jurgen Klopp era.
The emphasis is on aggressive counter‑pressing rather than cautious possession, a style that resonates deeply with the club’s identity. In recent seasons Dortmund drifted away from this philosophy, opting for older signings in a bid to safeguard their Champions League qualification hopes.
The strategy leaned toward safety rather than the daring, attack‑first mentality that fans cherish – a move many critics labeled as uncharacteristically conservative for a club known for its youthful exuberance. Kovač highlighted the arrival of 27‑year‑old Dutch midfielder Joë Veerman from PSV Eindhoven as the experienced addition to the squad. Yet it is the acquisition of two Greek wingers – the eye‑catching Giannis Konstantelias and the 18‑year‑old prodigy Konstantin Karetsas – that has truly set the supporters buzzing. Their impact was evident in the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup when 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.
After the game, veteran Norwegian Julian Ryerson praised the newcomers, saying, "It looks positive. We had good players last season, but I think these new faces can take us to a higher level. I feel we are on the right path." The road ahead will not be easy.
The departures of key figures such as Karim Adeyemi and Julian Brandt have left a void in the black‑and‑yellow attack. "We need to replace those goals, that’s clear," Kovač admitted.
"When you bring in new players, there is always a risk – you never know if they will click or not." Nevertheless, the club’s new sporting director, Ole Børk, is confident that the talent pool is deep enough to meet lofty expectations. "The two Greek wingers have immense potential, and the fans expect great things," he remarked. Whether Kovač can coax the best out of this youthful group remains a question.
Known for his pragmatic approach and emphasis on hard work over flamboyant tactics, he has a track record of delivering results, having won the German Cup with Eintracht Frankfurt and a domestic double with Bayern Munich. Yet his style is often described as functional rather than inspirational, especially when compared with the more avant‑garde philosophies of coaches like Pep Guardiola or Thomas Tuchel.
When asked about his footballing philosophy, Kovač replied, "I aim for successful football. It’s simple – win games. My job is to adapt to the players we have and the situations we face, and to make the necessary tactical adjustments." He first arrived at Dortmund in late January 2025, when the club was languishing in the lower half of the Bundesliga table, having lost its distinctive identity and looking unlikely to qualify for Europe.
His immediate impact was evident: within weeks he shifted the formation from a back‑four to a back‑five after realizing the initial system was not delivering the desired stability. Kovač also placed a strong emphasis on physical conditioning, arguing that a fitter squad makes better decisions on the pitch. "When players are physically prepared, they stop over‑thinking and simply act – whether that’s pressing, covering, or attacking," he explained. This focus on fitness helped Dortmund climb to fourth place by the end of that season, providing a platform for a second‑place finish the following year.
During his first full season, the gap between Dortmund and Bayern Munich narrowed to 25 points, and it shrank further to 16 points in the subsequent campaign. While still a considerable distance, the progress signals a shift in the balance of power.
Kovač cautioned, however, that closing the gap requires Dortmund to consistently play above their perceived limits and that Bayern must also experience a dip in form for a genuine title challenge to materialise. The club’s recent history includes heartbreaking near‑misses: a title was squandered on the final day in 2023, and Bayer Leverkusen disrupted Bayern’s dominance in 2024. These setbacks have only intensified the desire among Dortmund supporters to see their team return to the summit of German football. Looking ahead, the blend of Kovač’s disciplined, results‑driven methodology with the raw talent of players like Konstantelias, Karetsas, and Veerman could provide the spark needed to reignite Dortmund’s championship ambitions.
The coach remains modest about predictions, stating, "I prefer to let the results speak for themselves rather than make promises beforehand." In summary, Borussia Dortmund stands at a crossroads where strategic recruitment, tactical flexibility, and rigorous physical preparation converge. The club’s leadership believes that by staying true to its attacking roots while integrating fresh talent, the Yellow Wall can once again witness the exhilarating football that has defined the BVB for decades. The journey is just beginning, and the coming season promises to be a compelling chapter in Dortmund’s storied legacy.