Dortmund coach Niko Kovac was furious after a DFB-Pokal match, criticizing the referee’s decision to only give a yellow card for a tackle that resulted in Yan Couto being stretchered off. Julian Brandt also voiced his concern. Dortmund won the match 1-0 against Essen, but the focus shifted to Couto’s injury. The team now prepares for their Bundesliga match against FC St. Pauli, hoping for positive news on Couto’s condition.
Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac didn't hold back his frustration following his team's narrow 1-0 victory over third-tier side Essen in the DFB-Pokal. While the win secured Dortmund's progression in the cup, the match was overshadowed by a controversial challenge and a potentially serious injury to Yan Couto.
The pivotal moment occurred late in the game when Essen's Kelsey Owusu launched into a robust tackle on Couto. The Dortmund player was immediately stretchered off the field, leaving fans and teammates concerned about the severity of the injury. Kovac was visibly angered by the incident, particularly by referee Frank Willenborg's decision to only issue a yellow card to Owusu.
"I can't let it stand like this," Kovac exclaimed in the post-match interview. "I have to be honest, that's not how you go into a duel. I don't want to accuse him of any intention, but that's grossly negligent." The Dortmund coach made it clear that he felt the challenge warranted a more severe punishment. "Of course, we don't have a choice, the referee didn't see it that way. But that's not how you go there."
The severity of Couto's injury remains uncertain, and Kovac was unable to provide a definitive prognosis. "I hope that not so much has happened," he said. "He is in severe pain. We have to wait for the investigation. I'm confident that maybe it's just a severe bruise. We'll examine what happened. I hope nothing's broken." The club and fans are anxiously awaiting the results of medical tests to determine the extent of the damage.
Julian Brandt, another key player for Dortmund, echoed Kovac's sentiments, criticizing the challenge and expressing concern over Couto's injury. "This is brutal," Brandt stated. "First of all, we're a bit lucky that he doesn't stay completely on his leg, but that it's more of a grazing shot. I think otherwise it looks really bad for him. I haven't seen it yet. I hope he got off lightly. I hope that we don't lose Couto now, because we're not the big squad at the moment." Brandt's words highlight the potential impact of Couto's absence on Dortmund's squad depth, especially with a busy schedule ahead.
Dortmund's victory itself came after a hard-fought battle against a resilient Essen side. Serhou Guirassy finally broke the deadlock with a goal 11 minutes from time, securing the win and a place in the next round of the DFB-Pokal. However, the victory was overshadowed by the incident involving Couto and the controversy surrounding the referee's decision.
Adding to the discussion around the game, Borussia Dortmund posted on their social media, showing support for the injured player:
Hopefully nothing serious. With you every step, Yan. pic.twitter.com/mufl10PaVv
— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) August 18, 2025
Looking ahead, Kovac and Dortmund must quickly shift their focus to their first Bundesliga match of the season, an away fixture against FC St. Pauli on Saturday. The team will be hoping for positive news regarding Couto's injury and will need to regroup quickly to maintain their momentum in the league campaign.
The incident raises questions about the consistency of refereeing decisions and the protection of players on the field. Kovac's outspoken criticism reflects a growing concern among coaches and players about the need for greater accountability and stricter enforcement of rules to prevent potentially career-threatening injuries.
Beyond the immediate impact on Couto's health and Dortmund's squad, the incident also serves as a reminder of the physical demands and inherent risks associated with professional football. While the sport is celebrated for its skill and excitement, it's crucial to acknowledge the potential for serious injuries and to prioritize player safety at all levels of the game. The hope is that Couto's injury is not as serious as initially feared, and that he can make a swift and full recovery to resume his career.
In the meantime, Dortmund will need to find a way to cope without him, relying on their squad depth and tactical flexibility to overcome the challenges ahead. The upcoming match against FC St. Pauli will be a crucial test of their resilience and their ability to maintain their focus despite the distractions surrounding Couto's injury and the controversy of the DFB-Pokal match.