BVB boss Kovac on defensive dilemma before Atalanta clash | OneFootball

The record in the second half of the season is flawless. Five games – five wins. “We want to carry over the momentum we currently have in the Bundesliga,” announces Niko Kovac (54) ahead of the Champions League play-off first leg against Atalanta Bergamo (February 17, 9 p.m.).

The goal for BVB is, of course, to reach the round of 16. “But that won’t happen by just talking about it; we have to work well on the pitch,” Kovac emphasized on Monday during the pre-match press conference.

The Dortmund head coach is likely to have a bit of a headache when it comes to filling the defensive positions. “Right now, we have four injured center-backs,” he points out, referring to the long list of absentees. In addition to captain Emre Can (31) and Filippo Mane (20), Niklas Süle (29) is now out with a thigh strain, as is Nico Schlotterbeck (25) with muscular problems. “We won’t take any risks, so he’s not an option for the match,” he commented on the absence of his defensive leader.

Kovac is still keeping his cards close to his chest. “It’s a coach’s job to keep finding solutions and to be creative.” For example, assist record-holder Julian Ryerson (27) played in central defense during the 4-4 draw against Juventus Turin. One option is to move Salih Özcan back or to change the system, the coach is considering. He affirms: “I trust everyone who can fill this position. By tomorrow at 9 p.m., we’ll find a player who will fill the role.”

“A really great team”

“Atalanta has a really great team that has grown together over the years, won the Europa League two years ago, and is ranked very highly in Italy,” Kovac praised the Nerazzurri. It will be “man against man all over the pitch” and “very intense.” His wish for the return leg: “Hopefully, we can travel to Italy with a good result.”

Ryerson could also play a decisive role against Bergamo with his extremely dangerous crosses. In the Bundesliga, the Norwegian has already provided eleven assists. He just hasn’t scored himself yet. “I’d certainly be happy for him to score a goal,” Kovac says with a wink. “But if he keeps providing so many assists, he should keep doing that, because then we all benefit.”

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