Kovač to take charge at Dortmund | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund appoint Niko Kovač as new head coach

After managing director Lars Ricken said an agreement in principle was in place with Niko Kovač, Dortmund confirmed that the 53-year-old former Croatia international will take charge of the club on Sunday 2 February.

Kovač has signed a contract running until the end of June 2026. He will be assisted by his brother, Robert, who played for Dortmund between 2007 and 2009, and Filip Tapalović.

The BVB job will be Kovač's fourth as a Bundesliga head coach, the Croatian having previously managed Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayern Munich and Wolfsburg. The 53 year-old lifted the DFB Cup with Eintracht, before winning a Bundesliga and DFB Cup double with Bayern. He left his most recent role with the Wolves in March 2024.

Ricken said: "We've held intensive talks with Niko Kovač over the past few days and have consciously taken the time to get to know each other and our expectations better. Niko's teams have always been characterised by energy, determination and a sense of the importance of team spirit. We also want to feel and see all of this on and off the pitch. We find ourselves in a challenging sporting situation and are certain that in Niko we have found a coach who is capable of overcoming it."

Kovač said: "The talks with Lars Ricken were very constructive, with the necessary depth, clarity and familiarity for the situation. All those responsible at BVB gave us a very good feeling during the talks, so I am convinced that we can achieve a lot together in the future. The most important thing for all of us now is to have absolute determination, a big heart and the willingness to work hard to represent Borussia Dortmund in the best possible way in the Bundesliga, the Champions League and at the Club World Cup in the summer. We are tackling this challenge with determination and focus."

Dortmund have already confirmed that U19s coach Mike Tullberg will continue in the dugout for Saturday's trip to Heidenheim. Having overseen a 2-2 draw with Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga last weekend, the Shakhtar win marked his first as interim coach and Dortmund's first in 2025. The result set up a Champions League last 16 play-off against either Sporting Lisbon or Club Brugge. They return to Bundesliga action in 11th place, six points outside the top four.

Predecessor and former Dortmund player Nuri Şahin was in charge for 27 competitive matches, prior to his dismissal on 22 January 2025. The retired midfielder's record was: W12, D4, L11.

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