Kovac warns Dortmund as Union Berlin clash looms
Niko Kovac says Borussia Dortmund will face a totally different game against Union Berlin on Monday (AEST), having thrashed the same opponent 6-0 in February.
Serhou Guirassy scored four goals when the teams faced off at Signal Iduna Park last season, as Union suffered its heaviest defeat in its Bundesliga history.
Dortmund has won all six of its previous home games against Union in the Bundesliga, never hosting another club more often without dropping points.
However, Kovac's side made a stuttering start to its 2025-2026 campaign last week, squandering a 3-1 lead to draw 3-3 at St Pauli.
The manager is under no illusions that his side's home opener will also present a tough challenge.
"It will be a completely different game," Kovac said. "We, of course, want to win our first home game, but it certainly won't be easy.
"They will certainly play a very physical game, so we will have to hold our own.
"On a footballing level, we scored three wonderful goals in Hamburg, even if we didn't play our best match, but we will have to hold our own physically."
Dortmund has been busy in the transfer market in recent days, sealing a €20 million ($35.7 million)) swoop for Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka and a €25 million ($44.7 million) deal for striker Fabio Silva from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Silva, who enjoyed a fruitful loan spell in LaLiga with Las Palmas last term, believes he can contribute in all phases of the game, saying: "I think I like being different, and the fans can expect me to fight for the club.
"Of course, it's important for a striker to score goals and provide assists, but I think I'm a player who can give the team more and be a part of everything.
"With my runs, my movement, my tackles, I think that at this stage of my career, I feel like a very complete player.
"I can be ready for whatever the coach needs. I'm really excited and want to be with the team and be as successful as possible."
Union started its season with an impressive 2-1 home win over Stuttgart, with debutant Ilyas Ansah netting twice after his move from second division side Paderborn.
