Ahead of the big clash in Leipzig: Kovac on Dortmund’s defensive dilemma | OneFootball

Will Borussia Dortmund continue its winning streak? So far, they have five wins from five matches in the second half of the season. However, the task on Saturday (February 21, 6:30 PM) is not an easy one for various reasons.

The away game at the Red Bull Arena is made more difficult by the ongoing precarious situation in defense. "It's simple," states Niko Kovac (54) briefly and concisely at the press conference on Thursday before the match. "Everything we said before the last game still applies. All four are unavailable." This refers to the defensive quartet consisting of Nico Schlotterbeck (26), Niklas Süle (30), Emre Can (32), and Filippo Mane (20).

Especially the absence of defense chief Schlotterbeck is a heavy burden despite the clean sheet victory in the Champions League against Atalanta Bergamo. The central defender has already been back on the field, informs the BVB coach. Although the 26-year-old feels "good," they do not want to "take too much risk" and must "be patient." "He would like to," Kovac appreciates his protégé's ambition, "but we have to be sensible." Therefore, he will reluctantly do without the native of Waiblingen ("a precautionary measure").

Also with Can, who is struggling with groin problems, they will "take no risks," emphasizes the Borussia coach. "We have to approach this with intelligence," he explains and does not want to deploy the team captain too early.

Praise, but also a warning for Reggiani

Making a virtue out of necessity and bringing in Luca Reggiani: This is a brief summary of the 18-year-old central defender's debut with the professionals. But Kovac warns: "We have to dose it, we must not burn him out." However, he is convinced of the youngster, who could become a "great football player." "But it also requires a healthy mind," warns the experienced head coach, who himself stood on the Bundesliga field 241 times.

Photo: IMAGO

He has special praise for Waldemar Anton. The 29-year-old is the only remaining regular in the central defense. "I'm glad he finally gets the laurels he deserves," states Kovac. "Waldi is a quiet leader," who "plays, sleeps, drinks" football. And further: "He helps the team immensely with stability, aggressiveness, and his leadership."

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