Croatian football manager (born 1971)
BVB: Kovac will become a title-winner in Dortmund! | Sport: BVB extends Niko Kovac's (54) contract until 2029. An absolutely unavoidable decision!
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Key FactsNiko Kovac will continue at Dortmund through 2029
Oct 13, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: ruhrnachrichten.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: ruhrnachrichten.de
- The 54-year-old coach also extended the contracts of assistants Robert Kovac and Filip Tapalovic through 2029.
- Since taking charge in January 2025, Kovac guided Dortmund to fourth place and subsequently to the runners-up position.
- Kovac collected 107 points in his first 50 Dortmund matches, setting a club record in the process.
- Lars Ricken linked the extension to Kovac’s development, strong internal acceptance, and continuity and stability at the club.
BVB Podcast: Dortmund Crisis - | What Consequences Kovac Must Draw: Dortmund stumbles in a series, suddenly the doubts are back. Where the mistakes lie and what ...
ruhrnachrichten.de/bvb/bvb-podcast-dortmund-krise-konsequenzen-niko-kovac-serie-patzt-w1263434-2002270516/
After the defeat against FK Bodo/Glimt, Niko Kovac offers a ruthless analysis and admits to making a mistake.
“Would go in goal immediately”: Niko Kovac makes a case for Maxi Beier 🔥
BVB coach Niko Kovac explains Karetsas' bench placement: "Still in the back of my mind" | Sport
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Key FactsConcern Grows After Karetsas Suffers Early Injury Exit
2 days ago · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: derwesten.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: derwesten.de
- Karetsas entered shortly before the incident and had to leave injured minutes later.
- While attempting to turn around Khedira inside his own penalty area, he apparently twisted his leg.
- Dortmund is therefore concerned about a lengthy absence, which has not yet been confirmed.
- Union Berlin and Dortmund drew 0-0, leaving Dortmund without a victory in three consecutive matches.
Shock for BVB: Kovac gives Karetsas update: Kovac gives first insights into Karetsas' injury.
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BVB lacks precision, pace, and scoring opportunities: The question about Kovac's plan becomes more urgent
ruhrnachrichten.de/bvb/bvb-fehlt-praezision-torchancen-kovac-plan-union-berlin-w1262689-2002267971/
OpinionKovac's reflex is too simplistic: BVB has too few game-changers: First top of the table, now on the verge of crisis mode. Familiar patterns are repeating ...
ruhrnachrichten.de/bvb/bvb-dortmund-krise-typischer-kovac-reflex-zu-wenig-unterschiedsspieler-w1262774-2002268611/
Coaching question at BVB | Is Chema returning?: Niko Kovac's plan is being questioned at Borussia Dortmund, and Chema Andrés is being linked with another ...
fussballtransfers.com/a1683440440642158837-trainerfrage-beim-bvb-kehrt-chema-zurueck
Champions League: Defeat at the Arctic Circle! BVB Suffers Humiliating Loss to Bodø/Glimt | Soccer
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BVB: Will Kovac leave his favorites on the bench?: After the 0-1 defeat against Bodø/Glimt, Borussia Dortmund wants to make amends tomorrow, Tuesday ...
fussballtransfers.com/a5723840031205497671-bvb-laesst-kovac-seine-lieblinge-auf-der-bank
Tough decision: Kovac is playing with fire.: Borussia Dortmund will face Union Berlin tomorrow, Saturday (3:30 p.m.), on Matchday 6 of the Bundesliga ...
fussballtransfers.com/a8125766783617826529-harte-entscheidung-kovac-spielt-mit-dem-feuer
Kovac listed: | "The players were away a lot, two players, Konstantinos Karetsas and Daniel Svensson, have a bit of a cold ... Show more
BVB: Kovac frustration! "Where is the proportionality?" - | It's about the referee | Football
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🎙️ Kovac, with a new coaching contract until 2029 in hand, made five changes to his starting eleven in the 8,000-seat stadium – | exceptionally ... Show more
💬 But Kovac also says: 🎙️ "If you're leading 2-0 at home until the 88th minute, doing everything right, setting up your opponent perfectly ... Show more
While there was a growing number of positive opinions about the extended international break, Kovac clearly takes the opposite stance – | for understandable ... Show more
Kovac frustrated! One whistle in particular is making him quibble.
Not reflected in the numbers: What makes Beier so valuable to Kovac: Niko Kovac countered criticism of Maximilian Beier with praise at Friday's press ...
kicker.de/an-zahlen-nicht-ablesbar-was-beier-fuer-kovac-so-wertvoll-macht-1262027/artikel
BVB squad against Union: Schlotterbeck back - | Mane and Reggiani missing: Borussia Dortmund is visiting Union Berlin. Schlotterbeck returns, Kovac is without ...
ruhrnachrichten.de/bvb/borussia-dortmund-kader-gegen-union-schlotterbeck-rueckkehr-kovac-streicht-abwehrspieler-w1262519-2002267124/
BVB's new signings with problems: Three tasks for Kovac: BVB's start to the season so far has been impressive. However, not everything is running ...
fussballtransfers.com/a5463313013626068364-bvb-neuzugaenge-mit-problemen-drei-aufgaben-fuer-kovac
BVB embarrassment at the Arctic Circle! After Bayern, Dortmund also stumbles in Norway | Sport
bild.de/sport/fussball/bvb-blamage-am-polarkreis-nach-bayern-stolpert-auch-dortmund-in-norwegen-6acfa40277d7df6c69d6c454
Key FactsKovac rotates Dortmund lineup for Champions League trip
5 days ago · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: sport1.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: sport1.de
- The match starts at 21:00 on 13 October at Aspmyra Stadion and will be available live on DAZN.
- Niko Kovac changed Dortmund’s starting lineup in five positions compared with the 2–2 draw at Werder Bremen.
- Kovac attributed the rotation to three matches within one week and the associated travel demands.
- According to Lars Ricken, Nico Schlotterbeck is absent for workload management after several injuries; Dortmund face three away games and 11,000 flight kilometres in seven days.
No team in the world can manage to play through this kind of travel fatigue with eleven players.— Niko Kovac, before kickoff on DAZN
Niko Kovac answers journalists' questions ahead of Dortmund's match against FK Sabah in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan ... Show more
(k+) Kovac's critics should take a look at the league table.: The contract extension with Niko Kovac is a logical step and confirms the coach's approach ...
kicker.de/die-kovac-kritiker-sollten-sich-die-tabelle-anschauen-1260840/artikel
Top Stars on the Bench: Kovac Rotates His Squad: FC Bayern struggled in Norway yesterday. Borussia Dortmund aims to do better with the following starting eleven ...
fussballtransfers.com/a3921396248405453703-topstars-auf-der-bank-kovac-rotiert-kraeftig-durch
BVB character test at Union Berlin: Clear appeal from Kovac: After BVB's Champions League exit, they travel to bottom-of-the-table Union Berlin ...
ruhrnachrichten.de/bvb/bvb-charaktertest-union-berlin-appell-dortmund-trainer-niko-kovac-w1262310-2002266295/
Borussia Dortmund: Surprise regarding Nico Schlotterbeck against Werder Bremen | Sport
bild.de/sport/fussball/borussia-dortmund-ueberraschung-um-nico-schlotterbeck-gegen-werder-6ac924fb5528343575dfe7ed
Key FactsFüllkrug levels against Dortmund in stoppage time
Oct 9, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: sportschau.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: sportschau.de
- Ludovit Reis reduced the deficit in the 88th minute before Niclas Füllkrug headed the equalizer at 90+2.
- Daniel Svensson and Nico Schlotterbeck had seemingly put Dortmund on course for victory between the 80th and 85th minutes.
- Bremen goalkeeper Karl Hein made strong saves for much of the match, while Dortmund created numerous chances against the disciplined defense.
- Dortmund visit Union Berlin at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, while Bremen simultaneously host SC Paderborn.
Despite the good start to the season, BVB coach Kovac keeps receiving a lot of criticism - | but what are the reasons? #kovac #bvb #stammplatz #bundesliga #reels
Doubts return to BVB after the Bodø defeat: Unease has returned to BVB immediately after the 0-1 loss in Bodø. It stems from disappointed ...
ruhrnachrichten.de/bvb/bvb-nach-bodo-pleite-vor-union-berlin-analyse-entwicklung-w1262482-2002266969/
Before the Champions League: Kovac on BVB contract extension and Schlotterbeck: BVB coach Niko Kovac speaks about his contract extension and DFB star ...
bild.de/sport/fussball/vor-champions-league-kovac-ueber-bvb-verlaengerung-und-schlotterbeck-6ace612fa3d42c2e8cd52d16
Reif addresses Kovac directly: "Niko, you have to ask yourself...": Strong words after BVB's Champions League humiliation.
bild.de/sport/fussball/reif-wendet-sich-direkt-an-kovac-niko-da-musst-du-dich-selber-fragen-6ad08f646700a8331426838d
BVB criticism after Champions League defeat: "Niko, you have to ask yourself..." | Football
sportbild.bild.de/fussball/champions-league/bvb-kritik-nach-champions-league-pleite-niko-da-musst-du-dich-fragen-6ad0b1e9199dc15f1abd4ce2
Dortmund's four challenges in the far north: The first of many midweek fixtures takes Borussia Dortmund to the Arctic Circle to face the Norwegian surprise ...
kicker.de/dortmunds-vier-herausforderungen-im-hohen-norden-1260752/artikel
Kovac makes interesting hint about Karetsas: Niko Kovac spricht über den angeschlagenen Konstantinos Karetsas und lässt dabei aufhorchen. Der BVB-Coach deutet an ...
sport1.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/2026/10/kovac-macht-interessante-andeutung-bei-karetsas
Kovac measure: BVB adjusts travel plans for Champions League: Three BVB away games within seven days. Therefore, Dortmund is significantly adjusting its travel ...
ruhrnachrichten.de/bvb/bvb-reiseplanung-champions-league-kunstrasen-niko-kovac-auswaertsspiele-w1259706-2002259697/
🔴 LIVE from Norway: Before the Champions League match against Bodø/Glimt (Wednesday, 9 p.m.), Niko Kovac and Julian Ryerson will speak at the press conference ... Show more
New options: What Gadou brings to BVB: Borussia Dortmund couldn't secure the three points against Werder Bremen. Despite the draw, Joane Gadou impressed ...
fussballtransfers.com/a1318593302153439864-neue-optionen-das-gibt-gadou-dem-bvb
Nagelsmann-Gerüchte in Leipzig: "Davon sind wir ganz weit entfernt": Vor dem 6:0 gegen Frankfurt sorgte ein Medienbericht über Julian Nagelsmann für leichte ...
kicker.de/nagelsmann-geruechte-in-leipzig-davon-sind-wir-ganz-weit-entfernt-1260038/artikel
Did he know?: Why Kovac yelled at his stars after the 2-0 lead: BVB coach Niko Kovac explains after the game why he excessively encouraged his team after the ...
bild.de/sport/fussball/wusste-er-es-warum-kovac-seine-stars-nach-dem-2-0-so-anschrie-6ac9ffd461b3d4c01d3e1fec
BVB Podcast: Dortmund Wake-Up Call Before the Away Madness and the Consequences: BVB gambles and loses against Bremen. In the podcast, we discuss the reasons for ...
ruhrnachrichten.de/bvb/bvb-podcast-561-dortmund-weckruf-auswaertswahnsinn-kovac-baustellen-w1259917-2002261402/
Fábio Silva makes a case for a starting spot – but also for a substitute role! 👀🖤💛 Should Niko Kovac give him his full confidence from the start ... Show more
BVB laments after collective blackout against Bremen: The BVB professionals are lamenting after the collective blackout in the final phase against Bremen ...
ruhrnachrichten.de/bvb/bvb-blackout-gegen-bremen-selbstkritik-nach-patzer-und-punktverlust-w1259548-2002258566/
Bremen's 0-7 thrashing awakens memories for Kovac: Niko Kovac could achieve something on Friday evening that Lucien Favre last accomplished in 2019 ...
kicker.de/bremens-0-7-klatsche-weckt-bei-kovac-erinnerungen-1259267/artikel
OpinionSchlotterbeck, Ryerson, and many question marks surrounding BVB ahead of Bremen: BVB faces four midweek fixtures. Ahead of the Bremen game, there are numerous ...
ruhrnachrichten.de/bvb/bvb-schlotterbeck-ryerson-personalfragen-vor-bremen-kovac-kritik-pause-w1258295-2002255383/
Bericht: Kovac vor Verlängerung beim BVB – Zweitbester Punkteschnitt seit 2000: Borussia Dortmund wird den Vertrag von Trainer Niko Kovac zeitnah verlängern ...
transfermarkt.de/bericht-kovac-vor-verlangerung-beim-bvb-zweitbester-punkteschnitt-seit-2000/view/news/488109
Dortmund: BVB and Niko Kovac agree on extension | Sport: Borussia Dortmund is focusing on continuity: Niko Kovac is set to extend his contract ...
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Paid articlePaywall BVB and Niko Kovac: The calm before the contract extension: No rush, no pressure, no doubt: Why the pending contract extension with Niko Kovac isn't making ...
ruhrnachrichten.de/bvb/borussia-dortmund-niko-kovac-vertragsverlaengerung-vertrauensbasis-ruhe-bundesliga-w1252971-2002242070/
BVB is watching closely: Nmecha's DFB appearance confirms Kovac's fears: Felix Nmecha also lacks the dynamism of last season in the German national team ...
ruhrnachrichten.de/bvb/bvb-nmecha-dfb-auftritt-bestaetigt-kovacs-befuerchtungen-formsuche-geht-weiter-w1254146-2002245061/
Contract extension wave at BVB?👇 Borussia Dortmund wants to quickly secure clarity in several key positions. Managing directors Carsten Cramer ... Show more
BVB Podcast: When will Niko Kovac sign? | And is the Klopp hype too big?: Why Dortmund remains so calm about Niko Kovac - | and why the Klopp hype is showing its ...
ruhrnachrichten.de/bvb/bvb-podcast-559-dortmund-traumstart-titelkurs-meisterkandidat-analyse-w1254477-2002245673/
Nmecha, Veerman, Bellingham: So plant Kovac das BVB-Mittelfeld: Nmecha trifft, Veerman dirigiert, Bellingham räumt ab. Jeder bringt etwas anderes mit ...
ruhrnachrichten.de/bvb/bvb-mittelfeld-nmecha-veerman-bellingham-kovac-loesung-strategie-w1252923-2002241177/
BVB Summary: Where Dortmund is already at the top, what Kovac needs to work on: BVB is enjoying first place. Resilience, readiness, team spirit: Where Dortmund ...
ruhrnachrichten.de/bvb/bvb-saisonanalyse-widerstandskraft-effizienz-schwaechen-ballbesitz-torchancen-w1251315-2002237997/
“Typical striker's run”: Beier sends a clear message to Kovac: BVB winning goal, a casual comment and plenty of support regarding the DFB: Maximilian Beier ...
ruhrnachrichten.de/bvb/maximilian-beier-bvb-sieg-dfb-debatte-kovac-stuermer-laufweg-w1251036-2002237721/
Top transfer with a flaw: BVB's plan with Gadou: Joane Gadou has made a huge impact at BVB and is already showing his great potential ...
fussballtransfers.com/a5396831217048314436-toptransfer-mit-makel-der-bvb-plan-mit-gadou
Niko Kovac reagiert auf den Tod von Peter Hermann: Der langjährige Fußball-Trainer Peter Hermann ist tot. Niko Kovac, der gemeinsam mit Hermann beim FC Bayern ...
sport1.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/2026/09/niko-kovac-reagiert-auf-den-tod-von-peter-hermann
The leap to the top of the table quickly faded into the background for Niko Kovac after the victory in Stuttgart.
Paderborn had the better game plan! BVB is still stuck in the famously successful Niko Kovac dilemma.
spox.com/fussball/news/die-bessere-spielanlage-hatte-paderborn-der-bvb-steckt-weiterhin-im-bekannt-erfolgreichen-niko-kovac-dilemma/blt2ab530019cfd5523
Former assistant coach Hermann has passed away: Emotional Kovac moment at BVB press conference
bild.de/sport/fussball/ex-co-trainer-hermann-verstorben-emotionaler-kovac-moment-auf-bvb-pk-6aaef672708e760b5e064856
BVB star out: Kovac reacts to Klopp: BVB is sending three players to the German national team - | but one must stay in Dortmund. Now coach Niko Kovac comments.
sport1.de/news/fussball/dfb-team/2026/09/bvb-star-raus-kovac-reagiert-auf-klopp
OpinionKovac continues on his path undeterred: This is how BVB can assert itself as a true challenger
ruhrnachrichten.de/bvb/borussia-dortmund-niko-kovac-bvb-herausforderer-bayern-bundesliga-titelkampf-w-2002233986/
Niko Kovac deeply affected by Peter Hermann's death: BVB coach cancels appearance
derwesten.de/sport/fussball/bvb/niko-kovac-peter-hermann-tod-sportstudio-zdf-id302163304.html
Key FactsKovac cancels interview after Hermann’s death
Sep 20, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: n-tv.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: n-tv.de
- Shortly after the final whistle, Kovac learned of the death during a Sky interview and appeared visibly shaken.
- Following Dortmund’s 1:0 win at VfB Stuttgart, Kovac visibly struggled with tears during the press conference.
- Later, Kovac skipped the planned interview on ZDF’s “Sportstudio,” presenter Katrin Müller-Hohenstein explained.
- Peter Hermann had suffered for some time from the incurable neurological disease ALS.
From me and also from my brother, on behalf of Peter's family, our sincere condolences. A wonderful person has left us. Not only as a co-trainer in Munich, but also as a co-trainer when I was still a player in Leverkusen. Truly a shock.— Niko Kovac; quoted in the ntv.de article about his grief for Peter Hermann, stated in the press conference after the Stuttgart match and during the Sky interview
BVB: What the BVB coach has planned for him: This is Kovac's plan for Karetsas | Sport
bild.de/sport/fussball/bvb-was-der-bvb-trainer-mit-ihm-vorhat-das-ist-der-kovac-plan-mit-karetsas-6aabc7f26c12d34b7f43da61
Borussia Dortmund celebrates a home win against Villarreal in their Champions League opener ✅ After the shock of Konstantinos Karetsas having to be stretchered ... Show more
Key FactsKaretsas Taken to Hospital as Dortmund Wins Champions League Opener
Sep 9, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: n-tv.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: n-tv.de
- Borussia Dortmund narrowly defeated FC Villarreal 3-2 in its opening Champions League match.
- Konstantinos Karetsas suddenly went down during the first half and was substituted because of circulation problems.
- The 18-year-old was taken to hospital; sporting director Ole Book said he initially could not speak immediately.
- At the start of the second half, Dortmund announced Karetsas was doing well under the circumstances.
I walked out with him, but at that moment he wasn't able to speak directly. We obviously hope that it gets better very, very quickly, and that it's nothing serious.— Ole Book, Dortmund's sporting director, after Karetsas' incident during the Champions League opener against Villarreal
Nico Schlotterbeck could return to action for Borussia Dortmund in the match against Paderborn. Coach Niko Kovač reveals the current health status of his ... Show more
Niko Kovac wagte gegen Paderborn ein kleines Startelf-Experiment. Nun hat er Gewissheit.
Kovac speaks clearly about Sancho: Jadon Sancho is repeatedly linked with another return to Borussia Dortmund. Coach Niko Kovac comments on the rumors ...
sport1.de/news/fussball/bundesliga/2026/09/kovac-wird-bei-sancho-deutlich
BVB squad against Stuttgart: Karetsas returns - | two youngsters missing: Borussia Dortmund faces VfB Stuttgart in the top match. Karetsas returns ...
ruhrnachrichten.de/bvb/bvb-kader-gegen-stuttgart-karetsas-rueckkehr-kovac-streicht-zwei-youngster-w-2002232222/
Kovac after the BVB victory: New information on Karetsas' comeback: Relief at BVB! Niko Kovac gives a positive update on Dortmund star Konstantinos Karetsas!
bild.de/sport/fussball/kovac-nach-dem-bvb-sieg-neue-infos-zum-karetsas-comeback-6aa59389181cb962d488d2ba
Contract extension for Niko Kovac? This is what BVB sporting director Lars Ricken says
waz.de/sport/borussia-dortmund/article413202225/vertragsverlaengerung-fuer-niko-kovac-das-sagt-bvb-sportboss-lars-ricken.html
