In a significant move, Borussia Dortmund has officially named Niko Kovac as the club’s new manager.

The announcement comes after a rocky start to the season, which saw Dortmund part ways with former manager Nuri Sahin last week.

Sahin’s Departure and Dortmund’s Search for a New Manager

Sahin had led Dortmund to the Champions League final earlier this year, but the club struggled in the Bundesliga, suffering three consecutive defeats.

This poor run left the team in the bottom half of the league standings, prompting the club to make a change.

Youth coach Mike Tullberg stepped in temporarily, managing the team to a draw against Werder Bremen and a crucial win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.

Erik ten Hag and Other Potential Candidates

Erik ten Hag had been a favorite to take over at Dortmund, especially after his sacking from Manchester United.

Reports suggested that he had discussions with the club, but his decision to wait until the summer to return to management ultimately left him out of the running for the role.

Niko Kovac’s Appointment and Background

Instead, Dortmund has turned to Kovac, who boasts extensive experience in the Bundesliga and beyond.

The 53-year-old, originally from Berlin, has signed a contract with Dortmund until June 2026.

He will officially begin his role after the club’s Bundesliga match against Heidenheim next Sunday.

Kovac’s managerial career includes stints with the Croatian national team, Eintracht Frankfurt, and a successful period at Bayern Munich, where he won a league and cup double in his first season.

After leaving Bayern in 2019, Kovac spent time at Monaco and more recently at Wolfsburg, where he was dismissed in March 2024.

Dortmund’s Current Position and Kovac’s Challenge

Despite securing a Champions League knockout spot with a win over Shakhtar Donetsk, Dortmund currently sits 11th in the Bundesliga, five points behind the European qualification spots.

Kovac will have his work cut out for him as he aims to turn the club’s fortunes around and bring them back to their competitive best.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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