Optimism is returning to Borussia Dortmund as the club steps into a new campaign, eager to recapture the spark that once defined their brand of football. Head coach Niko Kovač, speaking from the team’s training ground, summed up the atmosphere succinctly: “Overall, we are mixing a good team.” He went on to explain the recent overhaul, noting that while three players have departed, the squad has been reinforced with fresh talent and a seasoned professional.

“We kept the spine – the experienced players, the goalkeeper, the centre‑back, the midfielder – and now we are trying to recreate the BVB of the past,” he said. The emphasis is on bringing in players who can ignite the Yellow Wall, those capable of delivering the high‑tempo, rock‑and‑roll style that became synonymous with Dortmund during the Jurgen Klopp era. This style favours aggressive counter‑pressing over cautious possession, a brand of football that thrives on emotion and intensity. In recent seasons Dortmund drifted away from that core identity.

The club’s strategy shifted toward acquiring older, more established players in an attempt to safeguard their Champions League status. That pragmatic approach, while understandable, felt out of step with the club’s DNA – a DNA built on youthful exuberance, daring attacks, and a relentless work ethic. Kovač highlighted the arrival of 27‑year‑old Dutch midfielder Joey Veerman from PSV Eindhoven as the experienced addition meant to anchor the midfield.

However, the most talked‑about signings 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. During the Franz‑Beckenbauer Supercup, the atmosphere at Signal Iduna Park surged when Konstantelias entered the match at halftime and began to test Bayern Munich’s defence. Dortmund were clawing back from a two‑goal deficit, and his energy injected a palpable sense of belief.

Norwegian veteran Julian Ryerson, after meeting his new teammates, reflected positively: “It looks promising. We had good players last season, but I think these new faces could take us to a new level.

I feel we are on the right path.” The challenge ahead is substantial. The departures of Karim Adeyemi and Julian Brandt, two players who embodied Dortmund’s attacking flair, left a noticeable void. Kovač acknowledged the pressure: “We need to replace those goals, that’s clear.

When you bring in new players you never know if they will click.” Yet that uncertainty is part of the allure. The club is daring to dream, betting on the potential of its young talents under the guidance of newly appointed sporting director Ole Bock, who has set high expectations for the Greek duo’s impact. Whether Kovač can unlock that talent remains an open question.

He is a proven winner, yet his reputation leans toward hard work and discipline rather than flamboyant inspiration. His own definition of football, when asked, is simple: “Successful football.” He has a résumé that includes a German Cup triumph with Eintracht Frankfurt and a league‑cup double with Bayern Munich, but critics sometimes view his tactical approach as more pragmatic than visionary. Kovač’s tenure at Dortmund began in late January 2025, when the club was languishing in the lower half of the Bundesliga table, its identity in tatters, and European qualification looking doubtful.

He arrived to a squad lacking cohesion and confidence. In an interview with chief executive Carsten Cramer, the latter praised Kovač’s impact: “When we hired him one and a half years ago, we were in a situation we never should have been. He steered us back to the Champions League.” Cramer added that Kovač’s affinity for the black‑and‑yellow colours seemed natural, noting that the coach’s commitment to the club was evident.

Kovač’s early changes were swift. He abandoned the initial back‑four formation after a few matches, switching to a back‑five that better suited the players’ strengths. He also placed a strong emphasis on physical conditioning, believing that a fitter squad makes better decisions on the pitch.

“If you lack physical capacity, you’re constantly calculating: Should I run back? Should I push forward? A fit player just does it instinctively,” he explained.

These adjustments paid off. Dortmund finished fourth that season, securing a platform that propelled them to a second‑place finish the following year. The points gap to Bayern Munich narrowed from 25 points in Kovač’s first season to 16 points in his second, indicating progress, though a genuine title challenge still feels distant.

Kovač is realistic about the hurdles: “To close that gap, a lot must happen. We also need Bayern not to be at their absolute best.” Recent history has shown how fine margins can decide fortunes. Dortmund squandered a title opportunity on the final day of the 2023 season, while Bayer Leverkusen ended Bayern’s dominance in 2024.

Those disappointments underline the importance of consistency and seizing chances when they arise. Looking ahead, the combination of Kovač’s disciplined framework and the high ceiling of the new recruits offers a renewed sense of possibility. The Greek wingers bring speed, technical ability, and a willingness to press aggressively – attributes that align with Dortmund’s traditional style.

If they can adapt to the Bundesliga’s physical demands and integrate into Kovač’s system, they could become the catalysts for a resurgence. Kovač remains modest about predictions. “I don’t like to speak first and then work,” he says with a smile. “I think it’s better to let the results speak for themselves.” His focus remains on building a cohesive unit, improving fitness, and fostering a culture where young players can thrive without fear of failure.

In summary, Borussia Dortmund’s current rebuild is anchored in a blend of seasoned leadership, strategic signings, and a renewed commitment to the high‑energy football that once made them a European powerhouse. The road ahead is challenging, but with Kovač’s pragmatic approach, the club’s storied passion, and the fresh talent eager to make their mark, the Yellow Wall may soon once again reverberate with the roar of a team that believes it can reclaim its place among the elite.