Niko Kovac has challenged Borussia Dortmund to reach their full potential in their Champions League opener against Juventus, acknowledging the difficulty of playing in Turin but expressing confidence in his team’s quality and preparation.
Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac has issued a rallying cry to his team, urging them to deliver a performance at their absolute peak when they face Juventus in their Champions League Group Stage opener on Tuesday. The encounter in Turin promises to be a stern test for Dortmund, who are looking to build on their impressive recent form and make another deep run in the competition.
Dortmund reached the quarter-finals last season, falling to Barcelona, and were finalists in the 2023-24 edition. Kovac has overseen a significant turnaround since taking the helm in January, guiding the team to an unbeaten start in the Bundesliga. However, the coach is acutely aware of the challenges that await them on Italian soil.
“We’re playing away. That’s definitely an advantage for Juve,” Kovac stated during a pre-match press conference. “We played a pre-season match against Juventus in Dortmund, and you could see the quality this team have. We have to play to our limits; we have to give 100%. We want to show that we have the quality to get a result here.”
Dortmund’s historical record in Italy within the Champions League is less than encouraging, having lost five of their last six matches on Italian turf (with only one win). Last season saw them fall to a 2-1 defeat against Bologna. Despite this, Kovac remains optimistic, emphasizing the need for a complete performance from his squad.
The German side have a reputation for strong starts in the Champions League, having won their opening game in three of their last four campaigns. The exception was a 2-0 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in 2023-24. Their resilience in the latter stages of matches also proved crucial last season, netting a remarkable 10 goals from the 75th minute onwards – the most of any team in the competition (excluding extra time).
Dortmund’s squad appears to be in good health, with no major injury concerns ahead of the match. Kovac highlighted the importance of squad depth and balance, stating, “We have a very good team. When everyone is available, we are very balanced, both in terms of breadth and depth. For me, it’s about having competition. The profiles are different. There has to be the right balance between physicality, creativity and running performance. If we can get a good mix of those, we’re in a good position.”
Midfielder Marcel Sabitzer echoed Kovac’s sentiments, expressing the team’s ambition to compete for the ultimate prize. “Fundamentally, you always go into a tournament to win it,” Sabitzer declared. “Otherwise, there’s no point in competing.” He added, “It will be a special occasion, the biggest possible stage for a player at club level. I’m very happy that I’ve been able to participate so often and that I continue to do so.”
Dortmund’s recent form suggests they are well-prepared for the challenge. Their unbeaten start to the Bundesliga season has instilled confidence within the squad, and they will be eager to translate that momentum onto the European stage. The match against Juventus represents a significant opportunity for Dortmund to make a statement of intent and demonstrate their credentials as genuine contenders in the Champions League.
The clash will be a fascinating tactical battle, with Kovac likely to emphasize a high-pressing game and quick transitions. Juventus, known for their defensive solidity and tactical acumen, will undoubtedly pose a formidable challenge. The outcome of the match could well set the tone for both teams’ campaigns in Group Stage.
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