Kovac pledges to get struggling Dortmund back on track

Newly-appointed Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac said on Tuesday he would demand “dedication and passion” as he hopes to get the struggling German club back on track.

Dortmund were Champions League finalists in June but have floundered this season and sit 11th in the Bundesliga.

Dortmund sacked previous coach Nuri Sahin in January, just six months after his appointment.

Former Bayern Munich, Eintracht Frankfurt and Monaco coach Kovac, 53, signed a deal at Dortmund until 2026 on Sunday.

Speaking at his unveiling on Tuesday, Kovac said he would not budge from his disciplinarian style which has won him trophies, but also left noses out of joint at previous clubs.

“We want to work hard because I believe only someone who works will get something in return,” he said.

“I’m a hard worker… everything that me and my family have achieved comes through hard work.

“Titles mean success, but (last year’s Champions League final) is also a success. I see some very, very positive developments.”

Kovac, who has only once served longer than two years in a coaching role, is the latest man tasked with bringing back consistent success since Jurgen Klopp’s seven-year tenure at the club ended in 2015.

Kovac said the short stints were part of “the business of modern football”.

“There are of course exceptions, like Jurgen, whether that was here or in Liverpool,” he said.

“But we are convinced we can chart the right course together.”

Kovac revealed he would live in a hotel until the summer, away from his family, to allow him “to focus fully” on the task at hand.

Despite taking training for the first time on Sunday, Kovac has had a hand in recruitment, including the deadline day signing of Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka on loan.

Dortmund managing director Lars Ricken said bringing in the experienced Kovac was needed, with the club’s last two coaches Sahin and Edin Terzic promoted from assistant jobs.

“In our current situation, external input is extremely necessary,” Ricken said.

“In Niko, we’ve found the right person. He stands for success, but has also taken over teams in difficult situations.”