Kovac before Wolfsburg match: "Unleash a force from the crowd" | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund are unbeaten in five matches and have picked up 13 of a possible 15 points (four wins, one draw). Last weekend, BVB secured a 3-2 win away to TSG Hoffenheim to climb to sixth place in the table, which qualifies them for the Conference League play-offs. However, the Black & Yellows have their sights set on bigger things: fourth place, which equates to Champions League qualification, is currently occupied by Freiburg, three points ahead of BVB. Leipzig are one point ahead in fifth place, which qualifies them for the Europa League. "We're back within striking distance," said BVB coach Niko Kovac.

Depending on the outcome of games elsewhere (Freiburg v Leverkusen, Leipzig v Munich), the Black & Yellows could overtake both teams as early as this weekend. However, this would require a home win against VfL Wolfsburg. "The game is very important. We are focused on the opposition, because what happens with other teams is outside our control and we have to do the work," said Kovac, adding: "If we win the game, we'll see what the situation is afterwards. It comes down to us showing the same energy as in the last few games."

BVB not only want to take the next step with a home win against VfL Wolfsburg, but also continue their run against the Wolves: the Black & Yellows have not lost in their last 11 home games against the Lower Saxons (nine wins, two draws). They have only conceded just one goal across their last eight home games against VfL.

Sabitzer back in the squad

In terms of personnel, Kovac can almost draw from the full squad. Nico Schlotterbeck is still missing through injury and "it looks like we won't have Maxi Beier with us either." All other players are fit and will be part of the matchday squad. Marcel Sabitzer completed parts of team training again at the start of the week. "He's fine, he's fit, he's healthy," said Kovac, who cannot promise the midfielder a starting role after his injury, "but with his experience, quality, energy and aggression, we'll certainly need him in the next few games".

Wolfsburg are without a win in seven games (two draws, five defeats) and currently sit 12th in the table. Last weekend, they lost 1-0 at home to SC Freiburg, although things are going better on the road for the club from Lower Saxony: seven of their ten wins this season have come away from home and they have the fourth-best away record in the league. "They're dangerous from set pieces and in transitional play. We'll have to be careful there, but if we can play like we have in recent weeks, I'm convinced that we can unleash a force from the crowd that VfL will struggle to contend with," said Kovac, who is facing a former club on Saturday: "I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again. But we also know how important the game is. Friendships are put aside for 90 minutes."

BVB won the reverse fixture

The Black & Yellows won away from home at the end of December. Donyell Malen, Maximilian Beier and Julian Brandt all scored between the 25th and 30th minute to help the team to a 3-1 victory. Should BVB win again, they could set a new personal best for the season: for the first time this campaign, the Black & Yellows could go six consecutive Bundesliga games without a loss. There have also never been three wins in a row in this Bundesliga season. More important, however, are the points in the battle for European football.Christina Reinke