The situation
BVB’s intense autumn schedule continues with their sixth competitive match in 19 days. Despite the heavy workload, head coach Niko Kovac says the team are focused on their next challenge against Werder Bremen. After wins in the UEFA Champions League away to Sabah FC (2-1) and in the Bundesliga against Eintracht Frankfurt (1-0), Borussia Dortmund are also targeting victory in the DFB-Pokal to keep themselves well placed in all three competitions.
Reflecting on the recent results, Kovac said: “Of course, wins are always important for confidence. They were controlled victories; we created plenty of chances in Baku and against Eintracht too. We need to be more accurate, sharper and more precise with our finishing. But I saw plenty of good moments that we can hopefully carry into the next few games.”
Team news
Ramy Bensebaini is suspended following his red card, with Joane Gadou set to return to the Black & Yellows’ starting line-up in his place. Tuesday will still be too soon for Konstantinos Karetsas to return to the matchday squad following a ligament injury in his right foot. Backup goalkeeper Alexander Meyer, who has recently been ill, could also miss the cup tie.
The opposition
BVB’s most recent meeting with Werder Bremen was just two and a half weeks ago. On Bundesliga Matchday 5, the two sides played out a 2-2 draw after a dramatic finale. Since then, Werder have picked up four Bundesliga points against SC Paderborn (2-2) and Mainz 05 (3-2) and sit sixth in the table.
Niko Kovac is convinced Bremen will arrive at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK full of confidence. “You have to acknowledge that they’re doing a very good job in Bremen. Although several key players have left, they’ve managed to put a strong unit out on the pitch,” said the BVB coach of their opponents in the upcoming knockout tie. Former Dortmund player Niclas Füllkrug stands out with eight goals in seven league appearances so far. But Kovac also praised the rest of the Bremen team for their “very, very good transition play” and strong fighting spirit. Werder have already come from behind to take points on four occasions in the Bundesliga.
Asked about the draw two and a half weeks ago, Kovac explained: “We were in control for 80, 85 minutes and then let it slip in the final eight minutes. If we can produce over 90 minutes what we produced over 85, hopefully we’ll win the game too.”
Time to end the streak
BVB’s last three cup meetings with Werder Bremen all took place in the round of 16, with Bremen progressing in 2009, 2019 and 2020. On Tuesday evening, Borussia Dortmund will be looking to end that streak and secure their place in the round of 16 in 2026/27.Mats-Yannick Roth
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.