After Beier drama: BVB boss Kovac shakes things up | OneFootball

Before the important Champions League duel with Villarreal, BVB coach Niko Kovac needs to clarify his joking remarks about Maximilian Beier.

Borussia Dortmund is facing a pivotal Champions League evening and is in the midst of a discussion about public statements made by coach Niko Kovac regarding forward Maximilian Beier. After the emotional 3-3 draw against VfB Stuttgart, Kovac initially jokingly reined in his striker. However, because this interpretation was misunderstood by many, the coach has now elaborated extensively.

Beier had stated after the wild game on Saturday, "the mood is currently at rock bottom." Previously, the 23-year-old had publicly spoken about winning the championship. Kovac later downplayed these statements with a wink. "At the beginning of the season, he said we want to be champions, now we're at rock bottom. So: We don't always have to believe everything the boy says," he explained directly after the match, commenting with a grin.

As the reactions to this caused a stir, Kovac used the press conference before the Champions League clash with Villarreal to clarify his words. "I laugh at that. I make a joke, but apparently, it doesn't come across that way," the coach clarified. He emphasized that the scene was misinterpreted: "Maybe we can pull out the footage when I talk like that." And further: "Next time, I just won't answer."

BVB Captain Can Praises Beier's Mentality and Ambition

He received support from captain Emre Can, who generally sees Beier's ambition positively but also considers Kovac's clarification sensible: "I think it's good, the mentality is right. He wants to win something. But it's also good that the coach reins him in from time to time."

Sportingly, BVB is particularly affected by the potential absence of Beier, who had to abandon the final training session due to muscular problems. "Currently, it looks like he won't be available," said Kovac. Besides Beier, Niklas Süle is also expected to be absent, while Ramy Bensebaini returns to the squad.

Despite the unrest that has arisen, Kovac emphasized that neither the team nor the club is "at rock bottom" and that his humorous remarks should not be blown out of proportion. "Please don't exaggerate," requested the BVB coach. "But what's crucial is how I say it. So please don't twist it."

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.