Borussia Dortmund’s Struggles: Calmund Blames Lack of "Mentality Players," Not Kovac
Original Text:
Despite Borussia Dortmund’s disappointing performances under Niko Kovac, former football manager Reiner Calmund has spoken out against another coaching debate at the club. "It’s not the coach’s fault," Calmund said on Sport1’s "Doppelpass."
Dortmund has a top-class coach in Kovac, Calmund emphasized. "It can’t just be the coach’s fault. If it’s always the coach’s fault, then they’ll have to get a new coach every two weeks," said the former Leverkusen manager after Dortmund’s 0-2 defeat to VfL Bochum.
Dortmund has also played well this season, such as in the recent Champions League playoff win over Sporting Lisbon, Calmund added. However, there are fundamental problems in the team, he believes.
"They’re missing a few players with the right mentality," the 76-year-old analyzed. "You need to put the players under pressure now. But I’m sure that Niko Kovac will manage to do that with the club’s management."
After the loss to relegation-threatened Bochum, former Bayern coach Kovac is the first Dortmund coach since Timo Konietzka 41 years ago to lose his first two Bundesliga games. As 11th in the table, Dortmund is in danger of missing out on European competition.
Expanded Article:
Borussia Dortmund’s disappointing start to the season, with two Bundesliga defeats under new coach Niko Kovac, has reignited the debate about potential changes within the club. However, former football executive Reiner Calmund believes that the blame lies not with Kovac, but rather with the team’s lack of "mentality players."
"It’s not the coach’s fault," Calmund asserted on Sport1’s "Doppelpass," emphasizing Kovac’s status as a top-class manager. "It can’t just be the coach’s fault. If it’s always the coach’s fault, then they’ll have to get a new coach every two weeks."
Calmund pointed to Dortmund’s strong performances in certain matches, such as their Champions League playoff win over Sporting Lisbon, as evidence that the team’s problems cannot be attributed solely to their coach. Instead, he believes that the root of the issue lies in the team’s overall mentality and attitude.
"They’re missing a few players with the right mentality," Calmund analyzed. "You need to put the players under pressure now. But I’m sure that Niko Kovac will manage to do that with the club’s management."
Despite Dortmund’s struggles, Calmund expressed confidence in Kovac’s ability to address the team’s deficiencies in collaboration with the club’s management. He emphasized the need for players with a strong mental fortitude and determination, qualities that have been lacking in Dortmund’s recent performances.
While Kovac’s tenure as Dortmund coach has started with two defeats, it is too early to judge his long-term impact on the club. Calmund’s perspective offers a different angle on the team’s recent struggles, highlighting the importance of mental toughness and resilience in achieving success on the pitch.
As Dortmund enters a crucial phase of the season, with important matches in both the Bundesliga and the Champions League, it remains to be seen how Kovac will respond to the challenges facing him and whether he can inspire his team to improve their performances and achieve their goals.
