After BVB humiliation: Kovac responds to Schlotterbeck’s angry outburst | OneFootball

After the disappointing 2-2 draw in the Champions League, Nico Schlotterbeck’s strong criticism has caused a stir at BVB. Now, coach Niko Kovac responds with clear words.

Borussia Dortmund’s coach Niko Kovac responded calmly, but with clear understanding, to the strong criticism from center-back Nico Schlotterbeck. The national player had, after the disappointing 2-2 draw in the Champions League against FK Bodö/Glimt, unusually harshly criticized his teammates on DAZN.

On Thursday, Kovac made it clear that he could understand the emotions of his defensive leader: “I understand Schlotti’s frustration. We missed a huge opportunity. That he is upset as a leader is completely normal.” At the press conference, he also emphasized that it is important to express criticism “on a factual level”—and that is exactly what Schlotterbeck did.

The 26-year-old, after missing the chance to move into the top group—despite clear superiority and twice taking the lead—found clear words. He criticized the lack of a “winner’s mentality” and was especially specific regarding the substitute players. “If you come on in the 60th minute, I expect 30 minutes of full throttle,” Schlotterbeck complained, referring to substitutes Karim Adeyemi and Serhou Guirassy. He also criticized “incredibly poor first touches” and that “the pass is always played to the wrong foot.”

Kovac defends BVB defensive leader Schlotterbeck

Kovac confirmed that the team had already discussed the incidents internally. Adeyemi had shown himself to be “self-critical,” the coach explained. The statements from his leader were, in any case, legitimate: “As a leader, he certainly has the right to address certain things.”

Sporting director Sebastian Kehl also reported that Kovac had given the team a clear dressing room speech immediately after the match. While the coach is now hoping for a positive reaction, he will likely have to do without Waldemar Anton and Aaron Anselmino for the upcoming Bundesliga match against SC Freiburg, as both were injured on Wednesday. The final diagnoses were still pending as of Thursday.

Nevertheless, Kovac made it clear that the criticism—however harsh it may have been—could be a step in the right direction: They are hoping for a “maturing process” that will make the team more stable in the future.

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