Matthias Sammer has defended Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac amid ongoing criticism of the team’s playing style, pointing to the club’s strong standing in the Bundesliga table and high internal standards.
Sammer Defends Kovac and Rejects Style Criticism
Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac retains the full backing of Matthias Sammer despite external debates over the team’s tactical approach on the pitch. Speaking on the television program Sky90, Sammer dismissed the persistent discussions regarding an unattractive playing style.
Matthias Sammer weiss ganz genau, dass seine Zukunft sehr eng mit der von Lars Ricken und Niko Kovac zusammenhängt.Ich werde nie verstehen, wer auf die Idee kam, den Basi dazuzuholen.#BVB pic.twitter.com/wGByziUSHv
— https://x.com/BVB_infos_1909/status/2051724246468923489
“I can not accept it when in Germany, one speaks of murmuring and so on, that is all not tangible. I can not understand that,” Sammer said, addressing the complaints voiced by critics.
Since taking charge of the club in February 2025, Kovac has maintained a robust average of 2.00 points per match. Sammer praised the leadership approach and handling of the squad, emphasizing that modern management requires credibility and strong human leadership rather than an exclusive focus on tactics.
“He is like a gentleman — also to the players. He has an appearance. We always say: people management is more important than ever in today’s time and still only talk about tactics,” Sammer stated on Sky90, calling Kovac’s interpersonal skills and authenticity particularly remarkable.
Table Standings and Past Successes Under Kovac
The defense of Kovac’s tenure comes as Borussia Dortmund shares the summit of the Bundesliga table. After the opening eight fixtures of the current campaign, the club sits level on points with FC Bayern at the top of the standings.
Sammer highlighted the structural improvements established since Kovac’s appointment in February 2025 as the foundation for the team’s current success. Under his guidance, Dortmund secured qualification for the Champions League at the conclusion of the 2024/25 season and finished as runners-up in the following campaign.
“The foundations, since he has been there, those are madness,” Sammer said, describing the positive development both on and off the pitch since February 2025.
Despite the consistent points tally, debates regarding the aesthetic appeal of Dortmund’s matches continue to surface. Sammer publicly rejected these discussions during his television appearance.
Questions Regarding Kovac and Borussia Dortmund
What is Niko Kovac’s record at Borussia Dortmund?
Since taking over as head coach in February 2025, Niko Kovac has maintained an average of 2.00 points per match.
Where does Borussia Dortmund stand in the Bundesliga standings?
After eight matchdays in the current season, Borussia Dortmund occupies a position at the top of the Bundesliga table, level on points with FC Bayern.
What role does Matthias Sammer hold at the club?
Matthias Sammer has served for many years as an external advisor to the management of Borussia Dortmund.
Which specific criticism did Sammer reject?
Sammer rejected complaints regarding an unattractive playing style and murmurs concerning the team’s tactical approach under Kovac.
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