"This game will be an indicator" - Dortmund boss eyes first trophy in Supercup

The BVB are all set to face off with their Der Klassiker rivals at the Signal Iduna Park in the 2026 Franz Beckenbauer Supercup, presenting them a unique chance of starting off the new campaign with a silverware.

Besides a long and drawn-out preseason campaign which saw the Prussians indulge in six friendlies, they also strengthened the squad by adding six new players.

With such a massive squad overhaul, it's difficult to figure out what to expect from the side just yet. Kovac sees the Bayern clash as a chance to assess their readyness ahead of another long top-flight campaign ahead.

We’re at the start of the season. No one really knows where they stand yet. That’s why this game will be an indicator. We want to win this game – we’re playing at home. The first title is up for grabs, and we’d love to keep it here.

Indeed, Dortmund haven't lifted a trophy since 2021. Kovac's first full season in-charge too flattered to deceive as they finished empty handed yet again. A late collapse in the Bundesliga title race handed the Meisterschale to Bayern once again, while also making early exits from DFB-Pokal and Champions League.

Although expectations from the Black and Yellow are high going into the new season after a handful of exciting transfer businesses, the side could still endure a period of transition depending on how well and quickly the new players settle in.

Dortmund's managing director Lars Ricken also echoed Kovac's sentiment, but feels the upcoming Supercup game is also an opportunity for them to make their intent clear.

We should use this game to show our fans what our ambitions are: that we want to be bold, that we’re ready to fight for this title, and that we’re hungry for this game. A win could also serve as a catalyst for the rest of the season.

Dortmund qualified for the German Supercup without winning either the league or the league cup last season as Bayern completed the domestic swoop, paving the former's way here as league runners-up.

It marks their 13th appearance in the single-legged cup game, and a first since 2021. With six titles (1989, 1995, 1996, 2013, 2014 and 2019) Dortmund are the most successful team in the competition after only record winners Bayern, who lead the way with 11.

Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac admits that Saturday's much-anticipated showdown with Bayern Munich will be a litmus test of his new-look squad.