Optimism is once again buzzing around Borussia Dortmund as the club steps into a new campaign with a sense of renewal that goes beyond mere reconstruction—it feels like a reclamation of a lost identity. Head coach Niko Kovač summed up the atmosphere at the team's training complex, saying, "Overall, we are mixing a good team." He explained that after saying goodbye to four players, the club has brought in a blend of fresh talent and seasoned experience, preserving the core of the squad—goalkeeper, central defender, and midfield anchor—while attempting to recreate the Borussia Dortmund of earlier, more glorious days. The focus now is on players capable of igniting the famous Yellow Wall with the kind of high‑energy, rock‑and‑roll football that defined the club during the Jurgen Klopp era. This style relies on aggressive counter‑pressing rather than cautious possession, aiming to deliver matches that feel alive and emotionally charged.
In recent seasons Dortmund drifted away from that philosophy, leaning on older signings in an attempt to safeguard their Champions League hopes. That pragmatic, safety‑first approach clashed with the club’s traditional identity, leaving many supporters feeling disconnected from the team’s soul.
Kovač highlighted the arrival of 27‑year‑old PSV Eindhoven midfielder Joey Veerman as the experienced figure meant to steady the ship. Yet the most talked‑about acquisitions are the two Greek wingers: the eye‑catching Giannis Konstantelias and the 18‑year‑old prodigy Konstantin Karetsas. Their introduction sparked excitement during the Franz‑Beckenbauer Supercup, where Konstantelias entered at halftime 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, praised the new arrivals: "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." His optimism mirrors the broader sentiment among the squad and fanbase. The departure of key figures like Karim Adeyemi and Julian Brandt, who had become symbols of Dortmund’s black‑and‑yellow spirit, leaves a clear void. Kovač admitted, "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." This uncertainty, however, is part of the thrill that Dortmund fans relish—dreaming big, betting on potential, and hoping that the new sporting director Ole Buch’s vision will bear fruit. Kovač’s reputation as a coach who values hard work over flamboyant inspiration raises the question: can he coax the raw talent of the Greek wingers into consistent performance? He is a proven winner, having lifted the cup with Eintracht Frankfurt and secured a double with Bayern Munich, yet critics sometimes label his tactical approach as modest compared with more celebrated contemporaries.
When asked about his footballing philosophy, Kovač replied simply, "Successful football." He acknowledges that his style may appear limited, but he emphasizes adaptability. "If someone likes my style, that’s up to you. For me, we are successful. And I think that, together, since we arrived, we did a very good job.
As a coach, you need to see what kind of players you have, what situation you have, and you must always adapt." Kovač took the reins at Dortmund in late January 2025, when the club was languishing in the lower half of the Bundesliga table, its identity fragmented, and European qualification looking doubtful. Chief executive Carsten Cramer praised the turnaround, recalling, "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 dedication to the black‑and‑yellow colours seemed a better fit than his previous stints at Bayern or Wolfsburg.
The coach’s early impact was tangible. He switched from a back‑four to a back‑five after a few games, recognising that the original system was not delivering.
He also focused heavily on physical conditioning, arguing that a fitter player makes instinctive decisions rather than over‑thinking each movement. "Without those physical abilities, you are calculating.
Should I run backwards? Should I run forward? Should I defend? Should I attack?" Kovač explained.
"If you are fitter, you just do it." These adjustments helped Dortmund finish fourth that season, providing a platform that was built upon to secure 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 out of reach.
Kovač admits that closing the gap requires many factors to align, including Bayern not performing at their peak. Recent history has shown Dortmund’s frustration in crucial moments—squandering a title chance on the final day of 2023 and watching Bayer Leverkusen end Bayern’s streak in 2024.
Yet the blend of Kovač’s disciplined methodology with the high ceiling of the new talent offers renewed hope. When asked whether the team can achieve more, Kovač smiled and said, "I do not like to speak first and then work. I think the opposite way is better." In summary, Borussia Dortmund stands at a crossroads where disciplined coaching, strategic signings, and a return to an aggressive, emotionally charged style of play converge.
The club’s leadership believes that with the right blend of experience, youth, and tactical flexibility, the iconic Yellow Wall can once again witness the thrilling football that made Dortmund a household name worldwide.