Kovac urges Dortmund to maintain fast start
Niko Kovac has highlighted the importance of a fast start for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga ahead of this weekend's trip to Hoffenheim.
Dortmund was a 2-0 victor at home to Hamburg SV on the opening weekend of the season last week, before thrashing minnow HEBC 5-0 in the first round of the DFB-Pokal in midweek.
If Dortmund are to mount a serious challenge for Bayern Munich's title this term, Kovac knows building momentum early on will be crucial.
"The start of a season is always very important; you have to get rolling," he said.
"That applies to all teams, and of course to us as well. We're heading to Sinsheim to win the game."
Dortmund concluded its transfer business on Wednesday (AEST) by signing 19-year-old creative midfielder Ethan Nwaneri on a season-long loan deal from Arsenal.
Nwaneri, who will serve as a replacement for the injured Giannis Konstantelias after making 11 appearances on loan at Marseille last season, could be thrown in for an immediate debut this weekend.
"He's a fit player who, in theory – and perhaps in practice as well – could play right away," Kovac said of the England Under-21 international.
"He has very good technical skills; we've already seen that in training. I'm very satisfied with him."
Hoffenheim made a losing start to its campaign, going down by a 3-2 scoreline at FC Koln, having led 2-1 with just 18 minutes of the 90 remaining.
It finished fifth in the Bundesliga in 2025-2026, narrowly missing out on UEFA Champions League football, and Kovac is full of admiration for Christian Ilzer's side.
"You can see how important it is to give someone the time to implement certain things," he said.
"To have one, or even several, transfer windows to make changes and adjustments.
"The style of football played by Hoffenheim is very intense, very aggressive, and very direct."
