Niko Kovac expects 'tough battle' in Berlin today despite excellent record
Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac isn't taking Union Berlin for granted in spite of them hovering precariously above the relagation zone right now.
His troops are in action at the Stadion An der Alten Forsterei tonight for matchday six of the Bundesliga season, aiming for their first win post the international break.
The BVB suffered a spectacular collapse against Werder Bremen last weekend that ended their perfect start to the top-flight season.
Kovac is expecting another tough challenge in Berlin tonight despite a comprehensive 3-0 victory on their last visit there. Speaking to the press ahead of the match, he said:
We want to take three points there. But we know how difficult it is there. Last season we won 3-0, but it was still a tough battle right up to the last second. I expect the same tomorrow.
Union Berlin were having a miserable start to the season, failing to win any of their opening four games before the 1-0 triumph over promoted side Elversberg got their first win across the board.
Kovac feel the Iron Ones recaptured their mojo there.
In their last game against Elversberg, they returned to the level of intensity and aggressiveness they’ve shown in recent years.
He further added that his side will also be put through the paces in Berlin as other sides who have played in Berlin.
It’s going to be intense! We’ll have to push ourselves to the limit and win the battles they force upon us. If you think you can just go there and coast through the game, it’ll be tough. Many teams have already learned that the hard way.
Union Berlin were a dangerous side from set-pieces, having scored a few from those situations last season. Kovac is cautious against letting them go unchallenged in dead-ball phases.
They’re very dangerous there. We can’t afford to give them much room in that area.
Five days after the Bremen draw, Dortmund suffered another setback as they were beaten 1-0 by Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League, their first defeat in eight outings.
Kovac insisted that his team has learnt its lesson and is now trying to get up and running once again.
We took a fall, and now we’re getting back on our feet. It’s a process.
Dortmund are still unbeaten in the Bundesliga but trail leaders Freiburg on goal-difference with the sides picking up 13 points each in five games.
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