BVB extend with Niko Kovac: no real alternative, but risky | OneFootball

Yesterday, Borussia Dortmund extended the contract with its head coach Niko Kovac until 2027. The timing, not the extension itself, was surprising. Moreover, this was essentially "without alternative," even though it is not without risk, comments the press in Germany.

For the Süddeutsche Zeitung, only the timing of the contract extension is a surprise. That BVB would generally extend with Niko Kovac was, however, to be expected. The recent weak performances in Essen and at St. Pauli apparently did not tarnish the good image from the course of the previous season, with which Kovac had earned the trust of the club management.

Manfred Sedlbauer at Sport1 is more explicit. This extension was "rushed." Since Jürgen Klopp, only a few coaches have lasted longer than a year. BVB's longing for consistency is understandable, but the contract extension does not guarantee this either. The club is thus taking an unnecessary risk, instead of waiting until autumn or winter. Apparently, they trust Kovac to manage the necessary upheaval next summer due to many expiring contracts. His history of short coaching stints does not suggest this.

Photo: IMAGO

Doubts remain whether Kovac can develop a team

At Kicker, they point out the unusual calm during the preparatory negotiations. Last season, internal matters often leaked to the public. This calm is also due to Niko Kovac himself. His composure has been successfully transferred to the team, earning him this contract extension with the resulting CL qualification. However, the real work of shaping BVB into a top team again is just beginning. And last but not least, to drive out the eternal sloppiness and establish their own style of play.

The WAZ quotes former Chancellor Angela Merkel and calls the contract extension "without alternative." Constant unrest regarding Kovac's continued employment was thus avoided. And the coach has also earned this with his extremely successful final spurt. Now, however, Kovac must prove that he can do more than just instill the basics of football in a team. The fact that there is skepticism in this regard is evident from the extension until only 2027. Rightly so, says the WAZ, because Kovac has not succeeded in further developing a team at a high level at either FC Bayern or VfL Wolfsburg.

A cross-section of the mood among Borussia Dortmund fans on the topic of Niko Kovac's contract extension can be found here.

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