Kovac set for new deal? This BVB decision is crucial | OneFootball

Niko Kovac is reportedly set to retain Borussia Dortmund’s trust for the long term. But before talks about his future can begin, another personnel matter must first be resolved.

At Borussia Dortmund, there is apparently a great sense of calm when it comes to Niko Kovac’s future. The 54-year-old head coach’s contract still runs until the summer of 2027. Talks over continuing the partnership are expected to follow, but for now, another personnel issue is taking center stage at BVB.

According to information from Sport Bild, Kovac and sporting managing director Lars Ricken have agreed to negotiate a new coaching contract only once Ricken’s own future has been settled. His contract also expires in June 2027, although an extension is considered a mere formality. After that, it will likely be Kovac’s turn as well.

Ricken recently already made it clear how satisfied Dortmund are with their coach. “We said that we would hold talks – and that is exactly how we proceeded last year as well,” he explained to the Ruhr Nachrichten. A close relationship of trust has now developed between him and Kovac. Managing director Carsten Cramer also announced in kicker that they would “start the talks in good time, just as we did last year.”

BVB planning long-term with Niko Kovac

That BVB are planning for the long term with Kovac is also evident in the club’s sporting direction. After finishing as runners-up, Dortmund are expected to remain defensively solid while also becoming more dominant on the ball and more attractive in attack. New sporting director Ole Book described the intended development as follows: “The new path will certainly be shaped by a certain level of attractiveness and an offensive style.”

Photo: IMAGO

To that end, the squad has been rejuvenated and, according to Sport Bild, tailored more closely to Kovac’s 3-4-2-1 system. The two Greeks, Konstantinos Karetsas and Giannis Konstantelias, are expected to play a key role. They are intended to give Dortmund’s attack more creativity and sharper passing, especially in the final third.

At the same time, Kovac is expected to help young players adapt to the level of the Champions League and the heavy demands of midweek fixtures. After discipline, stability, and work ethic, the focus is now increasingly shifting toward technical and tactical development. The conditions for a longer partnership seem to be in place – but first, Ricken still has to sign his new contract.

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