On one condition: Basler backs BVB for the title | OneFootball

After BVB’s strong start to the season, Mario Basler has shown surprising enthusiasm. The former pro even believes Dortmund can win the title – under one condition.

Mario Basler is not exactly known for showering Borussia Dortmund with compliments. But after BVB’s strong start to the season, the former Germany international has found surprisingly positive words. On the podcast Basler ballert, the 57-year-old praised the team’s development under coach Niko Kovac and even brought up the German championship.

Dortmund go into the international break at the top of the table with the maximum return of 12 points from four Bundesliga matches. FC Bayern and SC Freiburg follow with ten points each. The Black and Yellows’ performances so far have also impressed Basler. “They’re doing well, you have to acknowledge that. Niko (Kovac, editor’s note) has his team under control,” the former professional said.

These comments are particularly remarkable because Basler has repeatedly voiced strong criticism of BVB in the past. This time, he goes a step further. Dortmund, he said, must set themselves higher goals after their successful start. “They need to have different ambitions, and they should also start thinking about becoming German champions again,” said Basler.

BVB off to a strong start under Niko Kovac

Dortmund’s last league title now dates back 14 years. Especially painful was the 2022/23 season, when BVB let a golden chance to win the championship slip away on the final matchday. Basler basically believes the team is capable of staying in the title race until the end this time – but he also adds a little dig to his praise.

Photo: IMAGO

“Whether it’s enough in the end depends only on Dortmund themselves,” emphasized the 1996 European champion. In his view, one key factor will be avoiding unnecessary dropped points at home. Kovac has played a major part in the successful start.

In his first 50 Bundesliga matches as BVB coach, the 54-year-old picked up more points than his predecessors Lucien Favre and Thomas Tuchel, even setting a club record in the process. Kovac himself, however, attaches little importance to such statistics. After the international break, Dortmund will look to continue their run in a home match against Werder Bremen. At the end of October, they face FC Bayern in a direct showdown.

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