Relief and Euphoria at Signal Iduna Park
Borussia Dortmund’s massive 6-0 win over Union Berlin on Saturday evening was a moment of intense relief for the club, and particularly for the new head coach, Niko Kovac. The match, known as the Topspiel, saw BVB fans return to their seats with broad smiles, a sight that has been rare in recent weeks. Sporting director Sebastian Kehl, speaking to reporters in the mixed zone, summed up the general sentiment: “Everyone is relieved. One hasn’t seen the spectators so euphoric in a long time. It’s good that spectators are going home with a smile again. They deserve it.”
Niko Kovac’s First Bundesliga Win
For Niko Kovac, the win was more than just a victory on the scoreboard; it was a validation of his coaching tenure. After back-to-back losses against Stuttgart and Bochum, Kovac’s position was under scrutiny. As a former coach with successful stints at Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayern Munich, and Wolfsburg, the pressure to deliver was immense. However, the 6-0 victory marked his first Bundesliga win with his fourth top-flight club, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
Acknowledging the Role of Luck
In his post-match press conference, Kovac was quick to acknowledge the role of luck in the game. He specifically referred to the own goal by Union Berlin’s Diogo Leite, which occurred in the 22nd minute and opened the floodgates for Dortmund’s onslaught. “In the first 15 minutes, we were too slow, too precise, too complacent,” Kovac admitted. “Then we had some luck with the own-goal. That happened to us against Stuttgart. That loosened us up a bit.” This own goal, reminiscent of the one by Waldemar Anton in the previous match against Stuttgart, played a crucial role in changing the game’s momentum.
A Slow Start, but a Stellar Second Half
While the early part of the match saw Dortmund struggling with their rhythm, the second half was a different story altogether. “We also needed another 10 to 15 minutes to get going in the second half,” Kovac noted. “Then it was a great game from my team. They played themselves into a frenzy.” The team’s intensity and cohesion in the latter part of the game were evident, with players like Marco Reus, Erling Haaland, and Jude Bellingham playing pivotal roles in the offensive surge.
Keeping the Momentum Going
Despite the resounding victory, Kovac remains grounded and focused on the future. “We’ll keep it in perspective as we have many important matches coming up,” he stated. The coach is well aware that a single win, no matter how comprehensive, is just a stepping stone in the long season. Dortmund faces several critical matches in the coming weeks, including derbies and European fixtures, and maintaining the current form will be crucial.
A Boost for the Fans and the Club
The victory not only provided a much-needed morale boost for the players and coaching staff but also for the fans. The euphoria in the stands was palpable, with supporters celebrating each goal with unbridled joy. Kehl’s words echoed the sentiments of the entire club, emphasizing the importance of keeping the fans happy. “They deserve it,” he reiterated, highlighting the contributions of the fans to the club’s success. As Dortmund looks forward to the challenges ahead, the 6-0 win serves as a reminder of what the team is capable of when they are at their best.
