Kovac hails maturity and defensive steel after Dortmund edge Atalanta | OneFootball

Niko Kovač praised Borussia Dortmund’s composure, defensive discipline and collective maturity after his side secured a 2–0 victory over Atalanta in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off tie.

Speaking after the match, the Dortmund head coach felt his team delivered a complete performance against what he described as “a really strong opponent”, particularly in a first half that laid the foundations for victory.

“I think we played a really good game today,” Kovac said. “We started very well, scored very early and had a lot of good moments in the first half. Because of that, the 2–0 lead was fully deserved.”

While Dortmund impressed going forward before the break, Kovac was just as keen to underline the work done without the ball after half-time, as the match developed into what he labelled an “attritional battle”.

Kovac said: “In the second half it was about defending well. Over 90 minutes we allowed almost nothing.

“I think they had only two shots from distance after the break. We kept them far away from our goal, and that’s crucial at this level.”

The Dortmund coach also reserved special praise for 18-year-old Luca Reggiani, handed his Champions League debut in a high-pressure knockout fixture.

Kovac revealed the decision was taken to avoid moving Julian Ryerson out of his attacking role, instead placing trust in the teenager.

He said: “He didn’t just do well, he did very well. He’s 18, it was his first Champions League game and he’s only trained with us for a short time.

“It was a very mature performance. We can be very happy with how he played.”

Alongside Reggiani, Kovac highlighted the leadership of Waldemar Anton as central to Dortmund’s defensive stability, describing the centre-back as a cornerstone of his side.

“Waldi is a leader, a fighter, a role model on and off the pitch,” he said. “He helped Luca a lot today, just as Julian did next to him. That experience around him was important.”

Attention then turned to the attacking duo of Julian Ryerson and Serhou Guirassy, who were once again decisive in the final third.

They combined effortlessly in the build up to the opener, continuing a run of form that has seen their contributions surge in recent weeks.

Kovac was keen to stress that Guirassy’s resurgence was no surprise, saying: “Strikers go through difficult phases, that’s normal.

“The important thing is that they come out of it. Serhou is being well supplied now and his qualities were always there, even when the goals didn’t come.”

He was also quick to single out Maximilian Beier, whose tireless work off the ball earned its reward with Dortmund’s second goal.

“At this level, especially in the Champions League, you can only succeed if you work both ways,” Kovac added.

“Today we finally managed to keep a clean sheet. That starts from the front and ends with Gregor in goal.”

Despite Dortmund’s growing consistency and a settled-looking core of players, Kovac rejected the idea that his side are relying on a fixed eleven, insisting squad depth will be vital in the weeks ahead.

“We will need everyone,” he said. “There are many games coming, hopefully more in the Champions League. Nobody can be written off and when players get their minutes, they must be sharp.”

Kovac also highlighted rising confidence and improved body language as signs of progress at a crucial stage of the season, while explaining Ryerson’s more central role as part of Dortmund’s evolving tactical balance.

But the Dortmund coach was careful to temper optimism ahead of the return leg in Italy, maintaining that the tie remains finely poised.

He said: “It’s still 50–50 for me. Yes, 2–0 is a good result, but it’s not done. We go to Bergamo, a small stadium and intense fans. It will be a very tough game.

“One early goal can change everything. We must invest just as much as today, not a bit less. Then we have a chance.”

The second leg takes place in Bergamo on Wednesday the 25th February (17:30 GMT).