Kovac gees up Dortmund to get past Union Berlin
Borussia Dortmund travels to Union Berlin on Sunday (AEDT) in the hope of reclaiming top spot in the Bundesliga, and boss Niko Kovac has been firing up his side to get the result it needs.
Dortmund is second in the Bundesliga, behind Freiburg on goal difference, but saw its perfect start come to an end last time out against Werder Bremen.
Despite leading 2-0 as late as the 87th minute, Dortmund collapsed to a 2-2 draw at Signal Iduna Park.
Momentum also stalled during the week after it lost 1-0 to Bodo/Glimt in the UEFA Champions League.
Despite its strong start to the season, Kovac is wary of the threat posed by upcoming opponent Union.
"We want to take three points there. But we know how difficult it is there," he said.
"Last season we won 3-0, but it was still a tough battle right up to the last second. I expect the same.
"In their last game against Elversberg, they returned to the level of intensity and aggressiveness they've shown in recent years. It's going to be intense.
"We'll have to push ourselves to the limit and win the battles they force upon us. If you think you can just go there and coast through the game, it鈥檒l be tough.
"Many teams have already learned that the hard way."
Union is 16th after five games, but scored its first win of the season last time out against Elversberg with a 1-0 victory.
