After tough BVB start: Kovac sends clear message to Bellingham | OneFootball

After a challenging start at BVB, coach Niko Kovac clearly stands behind Jobe Bellingham. With clear words, he explains why patience is more important now than quick success.

Jobe Bellingham's first half-year at Borussia Dortmund was anything but smooth. The 20-year-old has only been able to meet the high expectations sporadically so far, but coach Niko Kovac clearly stands behind his summer signing – and at the same time finds clear words about his development.

The BVB coach points mainly to the circumstances of the transfer: from English second division football directly to the Bundesliga, in a new country, to a club with great competition, and with the additional comparison to his successful brother Jude. For Kovac, patience is therefore needed. In an interview with The Athletic, he emphasized: “In my experience, it takes three to six months for a young player to get used to a new club – of course, this varies individually. It takes time, but sometimes people are unfair and expect immediate, significant progress.”

Despite the initial difficulties, the coach draws a positive interim conclusion. Bellingham has so far appeared in 23 competitive matches, often as a substitute – for Kovac, a sensible start. “He is constantly making progress and will certainly have a good career. I am very satisfied with him,” the Dortmund coach emphasizes.

Bellingham's Ambition Impresses BVB Coach Kovac

What Kovac particularly appreciates is the midfielder's enormous ambition. The Englishman works meticulously on himself, analyzes games, and constantly seeks improvements. “He wants to work hard every day and improve, either by watching videos or on the training ground. That is exactly what a coach wishes for,” says Kovac.

Sometimes, however, he has to slow him down: “Sometimes I tell him that he shouldn’t just eat, drink, and sleep football, but also needs other things in his life to clear his head.” Kovac sees in Bellingham not only a talented footballer but also an exemplary character.

He describes him as down-to-earth, eager to learn, and highly motivated – qualities that should help in the tight competition at BVB. The coach is convinced: When patience and targeted development come together, the Englishman will take the next step.

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