Kovac tells Dortmund to deliver against Sabah: ‘We’re the clear favourites’

Dortmund must turn possession into goals, Kovac says

Niko Kovac has challenged Borussia Dortmund to end their winless run and scoring drought when they visit Sabah FK in the Champions League on Tuesday, insisting his team are favourites and must leave with a victory.

Dortmund have gone three games without a win and have failed to score in their last two. Sabah, meanwhile, arrive buoyed by a 2-0 victory over Slavia Prague—the Azerbaijani club’s first Champions League win.

“We’re taking the opponent seriously, especially since they won 2-0 here against Prague in their last game,” Kovac said at his Monday press conference. “We’re the clear favourites here, and we want to – and must – win this game.”

More speed and shots in the final third

Kovac said Dortmund need to execute their attacking moves more effectively after failing to convert chances in recent matches. “We have to play much faster, with more precision, and take more shots,” he said. “Tomorrow we have to shoot on goal more often to maybe force a goal.”

The coach also indicated the starting lineup could be adjusted. Dortmund’s staff will assess how players have recovered after a five-hour flight and a congested schedule before deciding whether to bring in fresh legs.

Dortmund will be without Konstantinos Karetsas, who has joined long-term absentees Emre Can and Giannis Konstantelias on the sidelines with a ligament injury, according to the report.