Niko Kovac: “We had to work hard today” | OneFootball

Julian Brandt’s goal in his 200th appearance for the club and a spectacular finish from Niko Schlotterbeck helped Dortmund to a 2-0 win over Hoffenheim on Sunday. Niko Kovac’s side is still only a point behind second-placed RB Leipzig in the standings.

“We had to put in a very good performance today,” said Kovac in his post-match interview. “We kept a clean sheet, and won 2-0 even if we missed two really good chances. But we didn’t give Hoffenheim anything.

“I’m very satisfied. We didn’t let ourselves be caught on the break as much as they might have expected. That was the case here at home against Leverkusen. Nothing spectacular, but a deserved victory.”

Kovac also praised Hoffenheim’s project by name-dropping the sporting director and head coach. “I already said at the pre-match press conference that something really good is being created at Hoffenheim under the leadership of Andreas Schicker and Christian Ilzer. We knew we couldn't press them too high. Otherwise, they would quickly get behind our defence.”

Dortmund will face another home game on Wednesday against Bodø/Glimt in their final Champions League fixture for 2025.