Niko Kovac on Julian Brandt’s forthcoming Borussia Dortmund departure: “I wish my ‘beloved’ Jule all the very best.” | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac has had a chance to comment on the bombshell news that Julian Brandt will be departing BVB after seven years following the conclusion of the season. Kovac answered a direct question about the player he’s often had high praise for at the post match press conference.

Brandt – in Kovac’s starting XI – collected an assist on Maximilian Beier’s 2-0; a goal that ended up proving the match-winner in Dortmund’s 1-2 away win over 1. FC Köln. Kovac’s body language suggested he wasn’t in total agreement with the club’s decision.

Niko Kovac’s statement on Julian Brandt

“Lars [Ricken] summed it up,” Kovac said. “It happened exactly as Lars said it did. Both sides engaged in constructive discussions and we came to a mutual decision that it was time to part company.

“I truly wish my beloved ‘Jule’ all the very best,” Kovac continued. “He’ll still be with us for nine games, fighting for ‘die Schwarzgelben’. We’ll make certain that we’ll continue to follow him, even though he’s no longer carrying these colors.“

GGFN | Peter Weis