Kovac Cautions That Dortmund Must Tackle Barcelona’s Potent Attack

Borussia Dortmund must discover effective strategies to counter the attacking prowess of Barcelona when they clash in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals this Wednesday, stated coach Niko Kovac on Tuesday.

Barcelona, boasting a formidable attack featuring Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Robert Lewandowski, remains unbeaten this year and sits atop the LaLiga table, leading Real Madrid as the season heads into its final stretch with only eight matches remaining.

In addition, they are set to face their fierce rivals in the Copa del Rey final later this month.

“We arrive as underdogs, but this does not lessen the challenge for our opponents,” Kovac remarked during a press conference.

“We are on an upward trajectory, and while I view us as underdogs, it’s important to remember that there are two matches to play, and they will still have to come to Dortmund. I believe we have a chance of advancing to the semi-finals.”

Dortmund, last season’s Champions League runners-up, currently sits in eighth place in the Bundesliga after a convincing 4-1 victory over Freiburg on Saturday. With six games remaining, they are striving to secure a top-four finish, failing which they risk missing out on next season’s Champions League.

The team will be without centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck, who is sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a meniscus tear in his left knee. Additionally, Pascal Gross will miss the match due to suspension.

“We are acutely aware of the offensive threat we will face tomorrow. We must maintain discipline throughout the match. They are exceptionally formidable in and around the box,” Kovac said. “While they possess numerous strengths, every opponent has vulnerabilities, and we intend to exploit those.”

“It wouldn’t be prudent to disclose our exact plans, but we do have a strategy in mind.”

Kovac stated he is not preoccupied with Barcelona’s potential treble prospects this season, opting instead to concentrate on how his team can progress to the last four.

“I can’t imagine that (Barcelona coach) Hansi (Flick) is preoccupied with dreaming of winning the treble. I know him well; he is from Swabia and has a grounded approach that focuses on work. We won’t discuss if Barcelona can secure three titles.”

“Our objective is to win the game, and if we can secure a favourable result, we’ll be more than satisfied,” he concluded.