Glowing praise: Kovac heaps compliments on BVB star | OneFootball

Before the Champions League clash in Copenhagen, BVB coach Niko Kovac talks about his stars and the upcoming challenges. One player in particular brings the coach a lot of joy.

Borussia Dortmund travels to the Champions League clash at FC Copenhagen with a new focus after the 1-2 defeat in the Bundesliga top match against FC Bayern. Despite the short recovery time, coach Niko Kovac remains calm – and one player, in particular, excites the coach: Julian Brandt.

"I'm happy. You see, I'm beaming like a reactor. Jule is a great player and a great person," said Kovac at the press conference before the game in Denmark. The 29-year-old has shown in recent weeks how important he is for BVB – including strong performances in Mainz and a goal against FC Bayern.

Kovac emphasized that Brandt needed some time to get back into full form after a hand injury. But the coach is convinced: "I know what Jule can do. He will certainly play from the start again in the long run. I'm glad I have him."

BVB coach Kovac raves about Brandt and defends Bellingham

Otherwise, the BVB coach sees his team well-positioned. Dortmund is still unbeaten in the Champions League, after a 4-4 draw against Juventus Turin and a 4-1 victory against Athletic Bilbao, the second win is now the goal. Kovac praised the new format in the Champions League as "a really nice, good format" and stated that the goal is to "be among the top eight."

Besides Brandt, Kovac also defended Jobe Bellingham, who recently had an unfortunate performance in Munich. "I don't understand the criticism at all. Jobe makes a very, very good impression," said the coach.

The duel in Copenhagen is not only important for Dortmund in terms of sports but also emotionally: With Youssoufa Moukoko, BVB faces a former homegrown talent. The 20-year-old now plays for the Danish champion – and could make headlines against his former club.

Niko Kovac warns against underestimating the opponent: "It's about continuing to score points against a very serious opponent with great support."

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