Borussia Dortmund has secured the long-term future of head coach Niko Kovac, announcing a contract extension through June 30, 2027. The club revealed the agreement on Tuesday, signaling a firm commitment to the current sporting direction.
Kovac expressed his satisfaction with the progress made since his appointment, stating, “We have achieved a lot together in the past six months and got Borussia back on track sporting-wise”. He emphasized the strong trust within the coaching team and a shared belief in the potential for collective success with the club and its supporters. He added that recent discussions reinforced his confidence in continuing the established trajectory.
Sporting Director Lars Ricken lauded Kovac as a “football expert with clear principles” highlighting his honesty and direct communication style, alongside a commitment to rewarding performance. Ricken noted a tangible improvement in the team’s form under Kovac’s leadership, citing a stabilization of defensive structures, increased goalscoring and a return to attractive, attacking football. He characterized the contract negotiations as fair, respectful and solution-oriented, establishing a foundation of mutual trust.
Sporting Director Sebastian Kehl echoed these sentiments, stating the club is “very pleased” with the extension. He stressed the importance of this clarity for maintaining focus on the current season and upcoming challenges. Kehl underscored the team’s ambition to achieve maximum success through conviction, intensity and passion – values he believes Kovac consistently instills within the squad. He expressed confidence in building upon the positive momentum established at the end of the previous season.
Despite the positive news regarding the coaching staff, Dortmund’s league campaign began with a less than ideal result. They conceded a late equalizer in a 3-3 draw against FC St. Pauli, despite having led 3-1. The team will now prepare to face Union Berlin at home on Sunday.
