Schlotterbeck concern: BVB boss Kovac urges Nagelsmann to act | OneFootball

After his long injury break, Nico Schlotterbeck is once again in the spotlight of the national team. BVB coach Niko Kovac, however, urges national coach Julian Nagelsmann to use the defensive leader with caution.

Borussia Dortmund’s coach Niko Kovac has addressed national coach Julian Nagelsmann with a clear message. The reason is the nomination of defensive leader Nico Schlotterbeck for the upcoming World Cup qualification matches of the national team against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland—just a few weeks after his return from a meniscus tear.

While Kovac is pleased about the call-up of his center-back, he urges caution. “I think it’s completely normal that you don’t have a player who was injured for a few months play two full 90-minute matches, especially since the first game is against Luxembourg. I think everyone else can handle that as well,” said the BVB coach after the 1-1 draw against RB Leipzig. He also made it clear: “We don’t want to burn him out.”

The BVB coach expects the national coach to take into account the special situation of his defensive leader and to manage his playing time carefully. “I think it’s completely normal,” emphasized Kovac, “that you don’t put a player under full strain again right after such a long break.” The 25-year-old had been out for over half a year after a meniscus tear sidelined him.

BVB Coach Calls for Caution: Kovac Sends Clear Message to Nagelsmann

For Schlotterbeck himself, returning to the DFB squad is a special recognition. “If I’m included, I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a recognition. I haven’t played football for six months. I’ve played three games and to be nominated is a kind of appreciation from Julian. I’ll approach the games as always,” said the BVB captain on Sky Sport.

There have been no direct agreements between Kovac and the national coach regarding load management. “Julian handles that with his coaching team alone,” emphasized the BVB coach. Nevertheless, he trusts that the national coach will handle his protégé responsibly.

Niko Kovac also underlined the great importance of Nico Schlotterbeck for BVB: “He is the pace-setter when it comes to counter-pressing and tackling toughness.” Now it is up to Nagelsmann to take his colleague’s appeal seriously and to use the newly recovered defensive leader with care.

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