Overview

• Kovač, appointed in January 2025 with Dortmund in mid-table, led a 22-from-24 point finish to clinch fourth place and a Champions League berth.
• Managing director Lars Ricken and sporting director Sebastian Kehl publicly backed Kovač’s principles and intensity as reasons to continue on the current path.
• Dortmund opened the new Bundesliga campaign with a 3-3 draw at St. Pauli after finishing with 10 men following Filippo Mané’s late red card.
• Mané is suspended for Sunday’s match against Union Berlin, with injuries to Nico Schlotterbeck, Niklas Süle and Emre Can already stretching the defense.
• The club is reportedly in talks with Chelsea over Argentine center back Aaron Anselmino as it explores options to reinforce the back line.