Kovač ahead of Augsburg clash: special praise for BVB’s “Ironman” | OneFootball

It rarely happens, but during the cup drama in Frankfurt, it was the case: Ramy Bensebaini (30) was absent from Borussia Dortmund's matchday squad. Against FC Augsburg (October 31, 8:30 PM), the defender might make a comeback.

At the press conference on Thursday, Niko Kovač (54) announced the good news: "Ramy Bensebaini trained today and is ready to play tomorrow." The Algerian had missed the encounter in the Main metropolis due to back problems – his first break this season.

Things look less promising for Niklas Süle (30), who is struggling with a sore toe. The central defender probably wouldn't have been a candidate for the starting lineup in Augsburg anyway. Against Eintracht, Chelsea loanee Aarón Anselmino (20) was preferred in defense.

"I trust every player"

As in previous matches, the Dortmund head coach is also relying on rotation in Augsburg. In Frankfurt, Kovač introduced five new players at the start. "We have to rotate if we want to maintain the intensity we demand," explains the football coach his measure. "We need to give everyone a chance to play, as we have the quality in the squad. Physical and mental freshness are required – I trust every player."

Waldemar Anton is unlikely to be affected by a change in the starting lineup. The 29-year-old defensive stalwart receives special praise from his coach. "Waldi is a total constant for us," emphasizes Kovač. "Whether centrally or on the right, he does his job fantastically, has a great attitude, and is in top shape." Anton is the "Ironman" in the squad.

FC Augsburg has had a weak start to the season with just seven points and is in 15th place. While BVB has advanced to the DFB-Pokal round of 16, FCA was knocked out after an embarrassing 0-1 home defeat against VfL Bochum. The 54-year-old does not want to overrate the situation in Augsburg. Kovač is convinced that it "certainly won't be easy" for the Black and Yellows. However, he doesn't want to focus too much on the crisis with the Swabians: "We focus on ourselves and want to play our game."

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