Niko Kovac speaks on Pascal Groß’ surprise Brighton move and latest Karim Adeyemi disciplinary problems | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac has had a chance to reflect on both Pascal Groß’ surprise departure and the ongoing disciplinary situation with Karim Adeyemi. Kovac spoke to reporters at the start of BVB’s mini-camp in Marbella, Spain.

It looks as if Adeyemi will face no further punishment following his outburst in Dortmund’s last Bundesliga match. Kovac also revealed that Groß’ move back to Brighton might lead to an interesting personnel twist.

Kovac suggested that Groß’ return to Brighton will lead to out-of-favor midfielder Salih Özcan. The 27-year-old appeared to have no future with his current Bundesliga club and was rumored to be close to moving to Beşiktaş in Turkey.

Kovac on Pascal Groß

“With regard to Pascal, that hurts me personally as I rated him highly as both a player and a person,” Kovac said. “But he wasn’t getting the playing time he wanted. He wants to go to the World Cup. That’s his goal. We made it clear that we didn’t want to place any obstacles in his way if he wanted a change. He [Groß] was always motivated and a consummate professional. He was what every coach wanted. But we had a responsibility to give him what he wants.

“We are well positioned in midfield,” Kovac answered when asked about the midfield situation following Groß’ departure. “We have Jobe [Bellingham], Felix [Nmecha], Sabi [Marcel Sabitzer]. And Salih [Özcan] can shoulder some more of the burden. We have enough good players at this position and won’t be doing anything [during the current January transfer window].“

Kovac on Karim Adeyemi

“During the break, everyone went on their own way,” Kovac explained of Adeyemi’s outburst, which drew the ire of both him and BVB sporting director Sebastian Kehl. “Naturally, I had a private talk with Karim and we had another discussion with all those involved. I think he’s had enough time to reflect upon the matter. I know Karim well enough. He’s a good lad. He knows he made a mistake and will definitely change his behavior.“

GGFN | Peter Weis