Kovac wants more from Dortmund on Stuttgart trip
With an extended international break spanning three weeks on the horizon, Borussia Dortmund is more motivated than ever going into Sunday's (AEST) clash with Stuttgart, Niko Kovac said.
The head coach feels his side's positive performances in the early weeks of the Bundesliga season have been just as important as its perfect record, and he wants more before an extended international break.
Dortmund is one of just two teams with nine points on the board after three matchdays, alongside Freiburg, ahead of its trip to MHPArena.
"We not only have a solid points total, but also a lot of confidence. The lads are in a positive frame of mind; they are focused," Kovac said.
"We want to end it on a positive note, because it's much nicer to head home with a win. We've seen a lot of good things. We defend well as a unit. We're transitioning really well right now.
"When we have possession, there are a few things we can do even better – we can play more cleanly. But it's early in the season, and we still need time."
Stuttgart only has three points to its name, but Sebastian Hoeness's team has had a difficult fixture list to contend with, with two defeats coming away at Bayern Munich and Hoffenheim.
Kovac, though, remain wary of its quality.
"They are a very well-balanced team that can do a lot with the ball and have many talented individuals," he said.
"Three points sounds like very little right now, but they faced Bayern and Hoffenheim in their first three games. Those aren't easy opponents. With the atmosphere there, it's going to be very difficult for any opponent."
Dortmund has received a triple boost going into the game, with midfielder Konstantinos Karetsas back in training and available after suffering from circulatory problems during his UEFA Champions League debut against Villarreal.
Defenders Nico Schlotterbeck and Ramy Bensebaini, meanwhile, came through last week's win over Paderborn with no issues, after their own injuries at the start of the season.
"He has a positive attitude, is laughing, is happy, and is enjoying training," Kovac said of Karetsas.
When asked about Schlotterbeck and Bensebaini, the Dortmund boss added: "They have handled everything well and are fit and ready to play this weekend."
