Kovac's Dortmund: Barca Clash Sparks a Turning Point in the Team's Identity

Turning Point Under Kovac

Coach Niko Kovac steered Borussia Dortmund to 22 points from their last eight Bundesliga matches last season, sealing a Champions League berth.

The Croatian tactician reshaped Dortmund into a hard-to-break outfit, and now eyes Serhou Guirassy to ignite their attack.

Early this season, goals flowed generously, as Guirassy's 12 goals in Dortmund's first six matches helped them begin with an undefeated run (4 wins, 2 draws) before a seventh-round defeat to Bayern Munich.

Their attack has cooled somewhat since, with four goals in four games, but Kovac backed Guirassy, the team's top scorer last season, to return and lead again after scoring just once in his last six appearances.

“We miss his goals at the moment, but he will return to form. I am happy to have him and will stick with him. He is not just a great striker, but a wonderful human,” Kovac told Kicker.

While Dortmund have struggled to find the net, their defense remains nearly impenetrable, keeping a clean sheet in six of their opening ten Bundesliga outings.

“We have achieved consistency and stability, scoring plenty of goals while conceding a few, though things have shifted a little recently. Overall, the team is developing well and moving in the right direction,” Kovac added.

The 54-year-old coach had six wins in his first 14 matches in charge, but pointed to last season’s Champions League quarter-final second leg as a turning point for their prospects.

“Winning in Barcelona in the second leg of the quarter-final was crucial because it showed we can withstand big teams, especially at home. It was a turning point in Dortmund's character,” he said.

Since that 3-1 win against Barcelona at Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund have suffered only two defeats in their last 21 matches across all competitions.

New Signings and the Road Ahead

Dortmund bolstered their squad over the summer by turning Daniel Svenson and Yan Kuto’s loans into permanent deals, bringing Aaron Anselmino in on loan, and signing Carney Chukwuemeka, Jude Bellingham, and Fabio Silva.

Injuries hampered some of these additions, and Kovac said he supports the newcomers as they settle into life at the club.

The Croatian coach, who has previously managed Bayern Munich, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Wolfsburg, added: “Naturally, newcomers need a bit of patience, even if we invested heavily. I am happy with our players, but I also know they still need time.”

“These youngsters enter a different environment, culture, language, and demands than at their previous clubs. We must give them time to adapt. I’m glad they’re here and that they raise the competition. Anyone who signs here knows what awaits.”

Dortmund have lost only one of their opening ten league games this season, leaving them seven points behind Bayern, while reaching the German Cup last 16 and suffering one loss in the Champions League.

This places Kovac’s Dortmund in a strong position to challenge for trophies on three fronts this season, especially if they can blend a solid defense with a fiery attack.

Ahead of Adeyemi: Status and Contract Talk

Karim Adeyemi’s future at Borussia Dortmund remains open and complicated by legal issues, after the forward was convicted of illegal weapon possession.

While there was no immediate impact on the national team, Dortmund want to hear Adeyemi’s side first. Sky Sports reported talks would take place after the international break.

At present, no moves have taken place; negotiations are stalled, with Adeyemi’s new agent Jorge Mendes in talks with clubs, including Manchester United. The rumors of a departure are not confirmed.

Will Adeyemi have a release clause? Staying with a contract extension or departure is possible; his deal runs to 2027, with a monthly base salary of around 475k euros, potentially rising toward 600k. Mendes is pushing for a release clause, which Dortmund’s leadership is resisting, with club presidents reportedly ready to accept around 75–80 million euros.

Adeyemi moved from Salzburg to Dortmund in 2022 for 30 million euros and, in 121 competitive appearances, has scored 29 goals and provided 22 assists at age 23.

Punchlines ahead, because every football article needs a twist: If Dortmund keep this trajectory, even the transfer window will file for a vacation. And if Guirassy stays hot, the goal clock might start charging rent to the opposition.