Mamelodi Sundowns' rivals in the FIFA Club World Cup, Borussia Dortmund, have officially hired a former Bayern Munich boss.
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The Black and Yellow have appointed Bundesliga-winning head coach Niko Kovac for the next year and a half.
Welcome, Niko! ??
— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) January 30, 2025
Borussia Dortmund has appointed Niko Kovac as their new head coach. The 53-year-old, born in Berlin, has signed a contract with BVB until June 30, 2026, and will officially take charge next Sunday after the club's Bundesliga match against Heidenheim. pic.twitter.com/O6hPBoCxn2
The decision to appoint a new head coach comes after the recent departure of Nuri Sahin. The Turk won 12 and lost 13 of the 27 matches he was in charge of, suffering four straight defeats before BVB ultimately decided to call time on his tenure.
Now, the German-born Croatian has officially taken the reins of one of Europe's biggest clubs.
Kovac will likely be the manager in charge of their 21 June 2025 clash against Masandawana in the United States of America in the revamped Club World Cup.
An official statement from the club reads:
"Bundesliga football club Borussia Dortmund has filled the position of head coach a week after Nuri Sahin (36) was released. Niko Kovac (53) will take over the team next Sunday - one day after the Bundesliga match in Heidenheim. The Berlin native has signed a contract with BVB until June 30, 2026.
"Kovac brings his brother and former BVB professional Robert Kovac (50), as well as Filip Tapalovic (48), as assistant coach to the eight-time German champions."
The former holding midfielder expressed his excitement at coaching a team like Dortmund and leading them to face teams such as Sundowns:
"The talks with Lars Ricken were very constructive, with the necessary depth, clarity and familiarity appropriate to the situation.
"All those responsible at BVB gave us a very good feeling in the talks, so I am convinced that we can achieve a lot together in the future.
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"First and foremost, it is now a matter of bringing the absolute will, a big heart and the willingness to work hard to represent Borussia Dortmund in the best possible way in the Bundesliga, the Champions League and in the Club World Cup in the summer. We are tackling this challenge with determination and focus."
