Optimism has returned to Borussia Dortmund as the club embarks on a new campaign, eager to revive the spirit that once made them a powerhouse in German football. Head coach Niko Kovač, speaking from the team’s training facilities, summed up the atmosphere succinctly: “Overall, we are mixing a good team.” He went on to explain that after the departure of four players, the squad has been reinforced with fresh talent and a seasoned professional, preserving the core of the side – the goalkeeper, central defender, and key midfielders – while aiming to recreate the Borussia Dortmund of yesteryear. The emphasis is on bringing back the type of players who can electrify the famous Yellow Wall with their dynamism, the kind of football that defined the club during the Jurgen Klopp era: high‑tempo, counter‑pressing, and full of passion rather than a cautious, possession‑heavy approach.
In recent seasons Dortmund drifted away from that identity, opting for older signings in a bid to safeguard Champions League qualification. That pragmatic shift, while understandable, felt out of step with the club’s DNA.
Kovač highlighted the arrival of 27‑year‑old Dutch midfielder Joey Veerman from PSV Eindhoven as the experienced addition to the roster. Yet it is the acquisition of two Greek wingers – the eye‑catching Giannis Konstantelias and the 18‑year‑old prospect Konstantin Karetsas – that has ignited the fan base.
Their debut in the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup was a vivid illustration of the renewed vigor: Konstantelias entered in the second half and immediately put pressure on Bayern Munich’s back line, helping Dortmund claw back from a two‑goal deficit. Norwegian international Julian Ryerson, speaking after the match, expressed his optimism about the new teammates: “It looks positive, yeah. We also had some good players last year but I hope it takes us to a new level, of course. I hope and I think that we are on a good path.” The departure of key figures such as Karim Adeyemi and Julian Brandt leaves a noticeable void.
Kovač acknowledged the challenge: “We need to replace these goals, it is clear. Of course, when you buy new players, you never know if it is going to work or not.” Yet this uncertainty is part of the excitement surrounding the project.
Under the stewardship of new sporting director Ole Book, the club is betting on raw potential, especially from the two Greek attackers, who are expected to bring a high ceiling of talent. Whether Kovač can unlock that potential remains a question. He is a proven winner, having captured the German Cup with Eintracht Frankfurt and a domestic double with Bayern Munich, but his reputation leans more toward hard work and discipline than flamboyant inspiration.
When asked to define his football philosophy, Kovač replied simply: “Successful football.” He admits his style may appear limited compared to more celebrated peers, noting recent experiments such as inverting wing‑backs, but he stresses adaptability: “If someone likes my style, that is up to you. For me, we are successful. As a coach, you need to see what kind of players you have, what situation you have, and you must always adapt.” Kovač’s tenure at Dortmund began in late January 2025, when the club was languishing in the lower half of the Bundesliga table, lacking identity and with European qualification looking doubtful.
Club CEO Carsten Cramer praised the turnaround: “Imagine what happened when we hired him one‑and‑a‑half years ago. We were in regions we never should be and he brought us to the Champions League.” Cramer added that Kovač’s commitment and affinity for the black‑and‑yellow colours make him a perfect fit for Dortmund, perhaps more so than his previous stints at Bayern or Wolfsburg.
The coach’s impact was immediate. He shifted the formation from a back four to a back five after a few games, recognizing that the original system was not delivering. He also placed a strong emphasis on physical conditioning, arguing that improved fitness simplifies decision‑making on the pitch: “Without those physical abilities, you are calculating. Should I run backwards?
Should I run forward? Should I defend?
Should I attack? If you are fitter, you just do it.” This focus on athleticism helped Dortmund finish fourth that season and set the foundation for a second‑place finish the following year.
Despite narrowing the gap to Bayern Munich – from a 25‑point deficit in Kovač’s first season to 16 points more recently – the title race still feels out of reach. Kovač is realistic about the challenge: “To close this gap, a lot must happen. It is also important that Bayern Munich is not playing top.” Recent frustrations, such as squandering chances on the final day of the 2023 season and watching Bayer Leverkusen end Bayern’s streak in 2024, underscore how fine the margins are.
Nevertheless, the combination of disciplined coaching and the high ceiling of the new recruits offers a glimmer of hope. Kovač prefers to let results speak for themselves: “I do not like to speak first and then work. I think the opposite way is better.” His pragmatic, work‑ethic‑driven approach may well provide the structure the young talents need to flourish, potentially restoring Dortmund to the thrilling, attacking side that once dominated the Bundesliga and Europe. In summary, Borussia Dortmund is in the midst of a thoughtful rebuild, blending seasoned experience with youthful exuberance.
The club’s leadership believes that by staying true to its attacking roots, investing in promising players, and maintaining a rigorous training regime, the Yellow Wall can once again be filled with the roar of fans witnessing a team that plays with heart, intensity, and the unmistakable Dortmund flair.