"Discipline brings success": title-winning coach praises BVB boss Kovac | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund starts the new Bundesliga season with high hopes. Championship coach Felix Magath even believes the team under Niko Kovac could clearly be the number two behind Bayern.

Even before the new Bundesliga season begins, Felix Magath makes a clear prediction. For the former successful coach, it is certain: FC Bayern will also take the championship trophy this year. "I see Bayern Munich as absolutely unrivaled nationally," the 72-year-old explained in his kicker column.

Magath names Borussia Dortmund as the first pursuers, but without a real chance at the title. "Just like Dortmund behind them as the upcoming runner-up," is his assessment. For the Black and Yellows, even secure qualification for the Champions League is a great success. "Borussia will enter the Champions League this time without any trouble – for BVB, this might already feel like a small championship."

Magath's strong assessment of BVB, despite all transfer and injury concerns, is mainly due to coach Niko Kovac. "With Niko Kovac, a coach who focuses on physical fitness and clear rules has taken control," praises the cult coach. He sees a parallel to his own philosophy in this: "In the spirit of the insight I have gained over decades and which still holds true today: Discipline creates success."

Many Parallels Between Magath and BVB Coach Kovac

Kovac led Dortmund to fourth place in the second half of the season and thus into the Champions League, and he was able to complete a full preparation with the team for the first time. His game idea strongly aligns with Magath's principles. The Croatian describes himself as a "hard worker" and demands "discipline, order, passion, intensity, and aggressiveness" from his players.

Magath's admiration goes so far that he quickly bought shares in the club when the 53-year-old took office in Dortmund. "I got financially involved when Niko Kovac was nominated at Borussia Dortmund," he explained in the spring on Sky90.

The new Bundesliga season starts for the Black and Yellows on Saturday evening with the away game at FC St. Pauli. For Felix Magath, it is clear: Under Kovac, BVB has made the decisive step towards stability.

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