Kovac Calls on Borussia Dortmund to Capitalise on Significant Win

Borussia Dortmund should draw inspiration from their impressive 6-0 victory against Union Berlin in the Bundesliga as they prepare to take on St Pauli in Saturday’s league fixture, according to coach Niko Kovac, who spoke to the media on Friday.

Currently sitting 10th in the league with 32 points, Dortmund initially struggled under Kovac, suffering defeats in their first two matches. However, they bounced back dramatically with a standout performance last Saturday, highlighted by a four-goal display from Serhou Guirassy.

“The manner in which we secured our win against Union was crucial. We showcased a dynamic, aggressive, and intense style of play. It serves as a reminder to the players that we still have what it takes. If we function effectively as a team, we’re capable of racking up points,” Kovac remarked to reporters.

“Now, we need to build on this momentum… St Pauli may not be prolific in scoring, but they are exceptionally strong defensively. This means we’ll need to work hard to carve out goal-scoring opportunities, as they are quite resilient.”

“As demonstrated in our last match, the more chances we create, the greater the likelihood of finding the back of the net.”

Regarding team news, Kovac confirmed that attacking midfielder Julian Brandt, who was sidelined due to a muscle strain during the match against Union, is fit to be considered for selection. “He is a possible option for tomorrow’s game,” he stated.

“However, a muscle issue like that can carry risks, and we must make informed choices.”

“Felix Nmecha remains unavailable, and Julian Ryerson has been dealing with a mild flu. He participated in training, but felt unable to contribute fully, so he won’t be in the squad for tomorrow’s match.”

The Croatian manager also commended midfielder Marcel Sabitzer for his recent form, stating, “His technique, composure, and awareness enable him to orchestrate play effectively. He possesses a strong passing game and excels in tackles, serving as a crucial link between defence and attack—a vital player for our setup.”

Following their encounter with St Pauli, Dortmund will face Ligue 1’s Lille in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 on Tuesday.