Kovac confident Guirassy will regain scoring touch
Niko Kovac maintains his confidence in Serhou Guirassy ahead of Borussia Dortmund's Bundesliga clash with Werder Bremen, despite the striker's recent goal drought.
Guirassy has now failed to score in any of his past seven Bundesliga games, the longest run without a goal in his German top-flight career.
The Guinea international has scored nine goals in all competitions this term, more than any other Dortmund player – Julian Brandt is second best with eight.
Guirassy also came under scrutiny after Dortmund's thrilling 3-3 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt at the weekend for giving away a first-half penalty, but Kovac is confident he will be back among the goals soon.
"It's obvious that I value him highly, support him, and protect him," Kovac said.
"That's also my job as a coach. I know what he's capable of. But I also know that he wants to achieve more.
"He's our best striker. He always gives his all, always tries his best. Of course, we're missing five, six, seven goals at the moment.
"But these slumps happen. We'll get through this together. It's important to keep building the lad up. He'll be very important in the future."
Dortmund is currently second in the Bundesliga table, but sits 11 points behind Bayern Munich, having lost further ground after the draw last time out.
Dortmund is on a nine-game unbeaten streak since its loss against the league leader in mid-October, as it prepares to welcome a struggling Werder.
Horst Steffen's side sits 12th in the league and has failed to win any of its past five matches, but it has not yet played in 2026, with its match against Hoffenheim last weekend postponed because of adverse weather.
Despite Werder's recent struggles, Kovac remains wary of the threat posed to his team.
"I do believe that it's definitely not a disadvantage to already have a game under your belt and therefore a bit of rhythm," Kovac added.
"On the other hand, it can also be an advantage if you haven't played at the weekend. Werder are a good Bundesliga team, a strong side that wants the ball and play football.
"We have to try to make sure the ball is in our possession more often than in the opponent's."
