Kovac believes in confident Dortmund ahead of Klassiker
Niko Kovac says Borussia Dortmund is ready to take on the challenge of facing "unique" Bayern Munich as the sides face off in a Der Klassiker on Sunday (AEDT).
The top two in the Bundesliga are going head-to-head with Bayern boasting a perfect record after six games, while Dortmund is also unbeaten, having won four and drawn two of its matches so far.
One record is set to come to an end this weekend, with Bayern (15 games) and Dortmund (14 games) currently on the two longest unbeaten streaks in Europe's big five leagues.
Dortmund is on a three-game unbeaten streak against Bayern in the Bundesliga, after an away win in March 2024 and two draws last season.
It has won its past two Bundesliga away games against the reigning Bundesliga champion; 2-0 at Bayern in March 2024 and 4-2 at Bayer Leverkusen in May 2025.
"We are solid at the moment, and that is the basis if you want to have any success. Of course, we know the form of Bayern – 10 wins from 10 games [across all competitions]," Kovac said.
"We are on 2.3 points per game [on average], which is pretty good, but they are on three points. It is unique. It shows the quality of the team. But we want to keep playing successful football. We know we must invest a lot in Munich.
"What Bayern are doing is good, but we are on a good path ourselves and ready to take on this tough challenge."
Bayern has plundered 25 goals in its first six Bundesliga games this season, which is the highest tally any team has recorded at this stage of a campaign in the competition.
It also has in-form Harry Kane, with the striker netting 11 goals already in the league this term.
Vincent Kompany’s side is known for being a fast starter, with 14 of those goals coming in the first half of matches.
Kovac is set to have his own goalscorer, Serhou Guirassy, back from injury, and although he has no intention of playing it safe at Allianz Arena, Kovac is wary of the challenge his side will face.
"Bayern win their games mostly in the first half," Kovac added. "So, it's about keeping the game open for as long as possible.
"We have to start well, be compact and keep the opponent away. If you act with a bit of fear in Munich, it will be hard.
"It does not work for teams to go there and just defend. They score four goals per game. But we also have qualities in attack, and we have to put pressure on them."
