After a strong start: Kovac turns BVB into Bayern’s main challengers | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund is showing a level of confidence after their successful season start that they haven't had in a long time. Since their 1-0 victory over VfL Wolfsburg at the latest, it's evident that the team under Niko Kovac has developed a new attitude.

"It's important to keep up with Bayern," explained returnee Nico Schlotterbeck after his comeback on the "DAZN" microphone. "After all, you're in Dortmund to win something." Last week, striker Maximilian Beier had already set the direction: "Our goal is to become champions." Clear words that illustrate: BVB has redefined its ambitions.

Sporting director Sebastian Kehl, who faced criticism in the summer for his restraint in the transfer market, feels vindicated by the season start. With ten points from four games, Dortmund is in second place in the standings – only two points behind leaders FC Bayern.

Kovac brings new spirit – and defensive stability

Photo: IMAGO/Jan Huebner | Photo: IMAGO/Jan Huebner,

Coach Niko Kovac has managed to initiate a noticeable change in mentality within a few months. With clear communication both internally and externally, combined with the introduction of a stable back three, he has given the Black and Yellows a new framework. "I don't know if he drank something at halftime that didn't quite agree with him. I'll get that out of him," Kovac joked on Sky about Beier's bold title statement – demonstrating how skillfully he channels the new ambition.

The results speak for themselves: A 3-0 against Union Berlin, a 2-0 against Heidenheim, and most recently the 1-0 against Wolfsburg don't shine, but they do show sovereignty. BVB appears mature, capable of bringing tight games over the line and keeping a clean sheet.

The only blemish so far remains the spectacular but bitter false start with the 3-3 against St. Pauli and the wild 4-4 against Juventus Turin in the Champions League. In such moments, it becomes clear that Dortmund still needs to take the next step in "growing up." "That's part of it," goalkeeper Gregor Kobel explained soberly.

Looking at the current schedule, there will be numerous opportunities in the coming weeks to prove this. Immediately after the international break, the classic against FC Bayern is on the agenda.

New signings as a trump card for the fall

Remarkably, none of the summer signings were in the starting lineup against Wolfsburg. For Kehl, this is not a problem but proof of the squad's depth. Players like Jobe Bellingham, Carney Chukwuemeka, Fábio Silva, or loanee Aarón Anselmino could become important factors in the coming weeks – a comfortable situation in times of English weeks.

Whether BVB is already ripe for the championship title remains questionable. Given FC Bayern's dominance, the bar for the big win may still be too high. But one thing is clear: Borussia Dortmund has long since arrived in the role of Bayern's challenger. With new self-confidence and clear statements, the Black and Yellows are approaching the season – and the Munich team knows they must not underestimate their rival.

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