BVB boss Kovac on Schalke return: „It’ll be a real highlight“ | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund is delighted about FC Schalke 04’s return to the Bundesliga. BVB coach Niko Kovac found clear words on the arch-rival’s promotion and is looking ahead to the Revierderby with great anticipation.

With FC Schalke 04’s return to the Bundesliga, excitement for the Revierderby is also rising noticeably again – and apparently not just among the fans. Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac is also eagerly looking forward to the clashes with the Royal Blues.

In the Bild podcast Phrasenmäher, the BVB coach spoke openly about the arch-rival’s promotion and found surprisingly positive words for Schalke and coach Miron Muslic. “First of all, I’m happy about the promotion, because Schalke belongs in the Bundesliga,” said Kovac. He was especially impressed by the work of Schalke’s coach: “What Miron has achieved with this team—nobody expected it, and that’s why it’s unique.”

For Kovac, the upcoming derbies will be a first from the touchline. So far, he has only followed the emotional clashes as a spectator. “I’ve only followed the derby on television so far. Experiencing it up close now will be a major highlight,” explained the Dortmund coach.

Revierderby: BVB holds the edge over Schalke

Former BVB professional Kevin Großkreutz also commented after Schalke’s promotion – although with mixed feelings. In the podcast Viertelstunde Fussball, the 2014 World Cup winner admitted that Schalke had done many things right in recent months. Sporting director Frank Baumann and coach Muslic in particular received praise. Großkreutz even described the appointment of the coach as “an absolute bullseye.”

Photo: IMAGO

Despite all the recognition, the former Dortmund player still sees considerable need for action at the promoted side. “The squad as it stands isn’t enough for the Bundesliga. You have to say, they really need to bring in eight new players,” Großkreutz said bluntly. At the same time, however, he also made it clear: “The club belongs in the Bundesliga.”

With Schalke’s return, the Bundesliga will once again feature one of its most traditional duels next season. After 100 Revierderbies in the top flight so far, the statistics slightly favor Borussia Dortmund. BVB won 37 matches, Schalke came out on top in 32, and 31 games ended without a winner. The most recent derby took place in March 2023 and ended 2–2.

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