Is Dortmund’s slump starting under Kovac? Worrying stats emerge | OneFootball

There were doubts among many observers before his appointment about whether Niko Kovac could be the right coach for Borussia Dortmund. However, with the successful comeback last year and an equally good start to the new season, Kovac initially silenced these doubts. Recently, though, some players have noticeably declined in significant metrics – is the end of Niko Kovac's success story at BVB looming?

The Bild newspaper is loudly asking whether the "Kovac effect" is now fizzling out. This positive effect was based on demanding absolute discipline from all professionals, both in training and in matches. Karim Adeyemi casually referred to this as a "kick in the butt" from the coach, which was effective.

However, the recent matches – even without considering the 1:4 defeat at top club Manchester City – left much to be desired. The victories over 1. FC Köln and FC Augsburg, each with 1:0, were achieved with much struggle. Niko Kovac has not been known for flair in Dortmund either. But usually, BVB had a firm grip on their opponents and did not struggle as much for their victories as they have recently in the Bundesliga.

Photo: IMAGO

Marcel Sabitzer's precision has suffered at BVB

A decline in performance can also be seen in individual metrics, argues the Bild newspaper. For instance, Karim Adeyemi's pressing efficiency has dropped to only 10.7 percent, while the average per player at BVB is 13.6. Additionally, there have been several noticeable and undesirable stress reactions from Karim Adeyemi, who was upset about his substitutions. Such behavior cannot please discipline enthusiast Niko Kovac.

In the case of Serhou Guirassy, a look at the number of goals scored and when he achieved them in the season reveals his slump. The newspaper also notes that since October, his number of shots per 90 minutes has dropped to two. In August and September, it was at least four each. The Guinean also recently showed significantly fewer actions in the penalty area.

Then there's Marcel Sabitzer, whose pass completion rate has decreased. Previously at 88 percent, the Austrian managed only 74 percent of his passes in the last six BVB matches. He and BVB cannot afford a relapse into his crisis form of the previous season.

Lastly, there's Julian Ryerson, who probably won't be in the starting lineup against HSV today. The Norwegian had previously prepared 1.3 goal attempts per match for Borussia. Since October, a break is noticeable. Since then, he has only enabled 0.5 goal attempts for his teammates.

All of this raises the question, according to the Bild newspaper, of whether it's time once again for something for the BVB squad: A "kick in the butt," as Kovac gave his players upon his arrival. Another answer to this question will be provided today at 3:30 PM at the Volksparkstadion, whether in the stadium or live on TV.

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