Kovac pledges to get struggling Dortmund back on track

Kovac pledges to get struggling Dortmund back on track
Borussia Dortmund’s new Croatian head coach Niko Kovac is pictured during a presentation press conference in Dortmund, on Feb. 4, 2025. (AFP)
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Updated 04 February 2025

Kovac pledges to get struggling Dortmund back on track

Kovac pledges to get struggling Dortmund back on track
  • Dortmund were Champions League finalists in June but have floundered this season and sit 11th in the Bundesliga
  • Dortmund sacked previous coach Nuri Sahin in January, just six months after his appointment

DORTMUND: Newly-appointed Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac said on Tuesday he would demand “dedication and passion” as he hopes to get the struggling German club back on track.
Dortmund were Champions League finalists in June but have floundered this season and sit 11th in the Bundesliga.
Dortmund sacked previous coach Nuri Sahin in January, just six months after his appointment.
Former Bayern Munich, Eintracht Frankfurt and Monaco coach Kovac, 53, signed a deal at Dortmund until 2026 on Sunday.
Speaking at his unveiling on Tuesday, Kovac said he would not budge from his disciplinarian style which has won him trophies, but also left noses out of joint at previous clubs.
“We want to work hard because I believe only someone who works will get something in return,” he said.
“I’m a hard worker... everything that me and my family have achieved comes through hard work.
“Titles mean success, but (last year’s Champions League final) is also a success. I see some very, very positive developments.”
Kovac, who has only once served longer than two years in a coaching role, is the latest man tasked with bringing back consistent success since Jurgen Klopp’s seven-year tenure at the club ended in 2015.
Kovac said the short stints were part of “the business of modern football.”
“There are of course exceptions, like Jurgen, whether that was here or in Liverpool,” he said.
“But we are convinced we can chart the right course together.”
Kovac revealed he would live in a hotel until the summer, away from his family, to allow him “to focus fully” on the task at hand.
Despite taking training for the first time on Sunday, Kovac has had a hand in recruitment, including the deadline day signing of Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka on loan.
Dortmund managing director Lars Ricken said bringing in the experienced Kovac was needed, with the club’s last two coaches Sahin and Edin Terzic promoted from assistant jobs.
“In our current situation, external input is extremely necessary,” Ricken said.
“In Niko, we’ve found the right person. He stands for success, but has also taken over teams in difficult situations.”


Formula E Unveils GEN4: Fastest, most sustainable electric race car

Formula E Unveils GEN4: Fastest, most sustainable electric race car
Updated 20 sec ago

Formula E Unveils GEN4: Fastest, most sustainable electric race car

Formula E Unveils GEN4: Fastest, most sustainable electric race car
  • New model represents a significant leap for electric racing
  • GEN4 set to be fastest, most advanced, and most sustainable car in championship’s history

RIYADH: The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship has unveiled its new GEN4 car, and fans will only have to wait until the 2026-27 season to see it in action.

The new model represents a significant leap for electric racing, emphasizing the championship’s commitment to continued innovation and sustainability, Saudi state news agency SPA reported on Friday.

The GEN4 is set to be the fastest, most advanced, and most sustainable car in the championship’s history.

It boasts up to 600 kW of power (over 815 horsepower) and features an active all-wheel-drive system operational during all phases of the race.

The car has a strong emphasis on sustainability, having been designed using 100 percent recyclable materials and incorporating at least 20 percent recycled components, reaffirming the championship’s leadership as the most sustainable motorsport series in the world.

Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds said the GEN4 is far more than a race car. Co-developed with the FIA, he said that “it stood as the most advanced, demanding, and sustainable machine Formula E ever built, redefining what is possible in performance and environmental responsibility while meeting the aspirations of professional drivers and inspiring future talents.”