Borussia Dortmund has secured the long-term future of head coach Niko Kovac, announcing a contract extension through June 30, 2027. The club confirmed the agreement on Tuesday, signaling confidence in Kovac’s leadership and the direction of the team.
Kovac expressed his satisfaction with the progress made since his appointment six months ago, highlighting a stabilization of the team’s performance and a return to a winning trajectory. “We have achieved a lot together in the past six months and got Borussia back on track sportingly” Kovac stated in a club release. He emphasized the strong trust within the coaching staff and a shared belief in the potential for collective success with the club and its supporters. Recent discussions, he added, reinforced his commitment to continuing the current positive momentum.
Sporting Director Lars Ricken lauded Kovac as a “football expert with clear principles” praising his honesty and direct communication style. Ricken noted a marked improvement in the team’s performance under Kovac’s disciplined guidance, pointing to strengthened defensive stability, increased goalscoring and a return to attractive, attacking football. He characterized negotiations as fair, respectful and focused on finding mutually beneficial solutions, attributing this to a foundation of mutual trust.
Sporting Director Sebastian Kehl also welcomed the contract extension, emphasizing the clarity it provides as the team focuses on the current season and upcoming challenges. Kehl stated the club is aiming for maximum success and intends to approach each game with conviction, intensity and passion-values consistently promoted by Kovac and his coaching staff. The club believes this partnership will allow them to build upon the successful finish to the previous season.
Despite the positive news regarding the coaching extension, Dortmund’s season opener did not go as planned. They conceded a late equalizer to draw 3-3 against FC St. Pauli despite leading 3-1. Borussia Dortmund will look to secure their first win of the season when they host Union Berlin on Sunday.