Kovac Defends Adeyemi and Sets Dortmund’s Focus on a Stuttgart Test
20 November 2025
Ahead of Dortmund's Stuttgart clash, Kovac lays out the plan
In the lead-up to Saturday's Bundesliga meeting with Stuttgart at Signal Iduna Park, Borussia Dortmund coach Nico Kovac spoke about his squad’s readiness and Karim Adeyemi’s situation following a fine for illegal possession of weapons. He framed it as a matter to be managed, not a disruption to the team’s season.
“We will play at home after six consecutive away matches, and we are eager to welcome our supporters back to the stadium,” Kovac said. “We know what we must do this weekend.”
He added that competition within the squad remains intense. “Every player feels pressure from teammates, but we manage games in a way that keeps everyone in good health and limits risk.”
Reflecting on the team’s attacking game, Kovac admitted, “We criticise ourselves a lot. We must improve offensively. This applies to all players. There are building blocks, but attention to detail is lacking.”
On Jude Bellingham’s situation, Kovac noted that “Gujoh”—the player known as Bellingham—played for Dortmund’s Under-23s before the break and needs more minutes. “It will take some time for him to be ready. The question is whether we can rely on him.”
Support for Adeyemi
Kovac stressed that the disciplinary matter over Adeyemi’s illegal weapon possession will not carry sporting consequences for the 23-year-old forward as he returns from the national team camp. The coach also expressed strong support for Adeyemi after his return to club duties.
“For me, this is not a reason to suspend him in the coming weeks,” Kovac said, stressing that the issue had been discussed with Adeyemi and resolved with clarity. He added that everyone makes mistakes and should be given a fair chance to move forward.
It was noted that Germany’s national team sporting director Rudi Voller and Dortmund’s director Lars Ricken had previously agreed Adeyemi would participate in a social project in Dortmund’s Nordstadt after extensive talks. Kovac reminded the group that the focus remains on the Bundesliga and that Adeyemi has the club’s full support.
As Dortmund prepare for Saturday’s league fixture, Kovac warned against underestimating Stuttgart, a team Dortmund have lost to four times in a row in league play. “I understand why people are talking about it; that’s why we must win now,” he concluded.
Calm at Bayern: a different kind of spotlight
In a separate thread, Uli Hoeness, Bayern Munich’s honorary president, praised the team’s season under Vincent Kompany in an interview with Bild. He said, “We are, of course, very happy with what we’re seeing. When you have a squad you’re completely satisfied with, you can finally sit back and enjoy the show from the stands.”
Hoeness revealed he recently dined with Kompany and joked that in the past they hoped the game would end by minute 80; now at minute 80 they hope the action continues longer because everyone is enjoying it—players, fans, and even those watching from the stands. He added that Kompany brings certain advantages over his predecessors, noting that journalists will have to work again as football becomes the primary topic of conversation, which is a good sign for Bayern as a whole.
Harry Kane’s recent impact at Bayern drew particular praise: Hoeness highlighted Kane’s evolution from a traditional center forward into a game-maker who finishes attacks and leads by example, a player with a character that motivates others. Lennart Carl also came in for praise, described as “astonishing,” with a reminder that clubs should not hamper young talents and that they should score as many goals as possible.
Hoeness also reminded listeners that Karl (Lennart Karl) has only a handful of Bundesliga appearances, recalling a time when a young player’s potential was recognized early and a national call-up followed. The comparison to Messi, he quipped, is flattering but a touch exaggerated for now.
