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E-mail Xinhua, March 11, 2025
Disillusionment appears to have taken hold of Dortmund coach Niko Kovac ahead of Wednesday evening's crucial UEFA Champions League encounter in Lille.
Having abandoned his previously supportive stance toward his players, the 53-year-old now seems perplexed by repeated poor performances. "We got what we invested, nothing," the disappointed coach said.
Julian Ryerson (L) and Karim David Adeyemi (R) of Borussia Dortmund vie with Benedict Hollerbach of 1. FC Union Berlin during the first division of Bundesliga football match between Borussia Dortmund and 1. FC Union Berlin in Dortmund, Germany, Feb. 22, 2025. (Photo by Joachim Bywaletz/Xinhua)
The sight of sober-faced club officials in the stands during the recent league defeat against Bremen seems to reflect the Black and Yellows' current overall mood.
That domestic setback has heightened worries about falling short of this season's goals, especially after the disappointing 1-1 home draw in the Champions League last-16 first leg against the 2021 French champion.
Frustrated fans booed the team off the pitch as its downward trend continued, costing the side the support of even its most loyal followers.
Instead of offering a glimmer of hope, the 2024 Champions League finalist appears stuck in a vicious cycle of uncertainty.
Having offered support to his struggling players since taking over on February 2, Kovac has now accused the squad of adopting a defeatist attitude.
Talented players such as German international Julian Brandt and English winger Jamie Gittens risk becoming transfer candidates next summer, as they have yet to stabilize a disoriented team.
Amid the turmoil, the Dortmund coach is attempting to rally a "last man standing" spirit around defender Nico Schlotterbeck.
The German international called the duel in France "our last opportunity to achieve a turnaround."
Media reports suggest a potential sell-off next summer, further fueling unrest.
"It's part of my job to trigger optimism that we can get back to a satisfying performance and harvest success," the 83-time capped international said, adding that he refuses to give up on his squad despite its uncertain future.
