Kovac Urges Dortmund to be Cautious Against Former Side Wolfsburg

Niko Kovac warns Dortmund to be cautious against his former side Wolfsburg, despite the team's strong home record.

Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac is urging the team's passionate crowd to play a key role in their upcoming match against Wolfsburg. Dortmund sits sixth, just three points behind fourth-placed Freiburg, who occupy the final Champions League qualifying spot. Kovac said, “We need the fans to unleash their force,” as Dortmund looks to secure a Champions League spot for next season.

“We're within striking distance again,” Kovac said ahead of Saturday's match at the 81,365-capacity Westfalenstadion.

🎙️ Niko Kovac ahead of the game against Wolfsburg:

“It looks like we won't have Maxi Beier with us tomorrow. The rest, with the exception of Nico Schlotterbeck, are in the squad." #BVBWOB

— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) May 2, 2025

“The game is very important. We're focusing on our opponents, because we're dependent on the other teams and we have to do our homework ... It's about showing the same energy as in the last few games.

“If we play our game like we have in recent weeks, I'm convinced that we can unleash a force with the crowd that Wolfsburg will find difficult to counter.”

🎙️ Niko Kovac on Julian Brandt:

"I've always seen Julian play well, or rather properly. He needed a break recently. He had a lot of good moments against Hoffenheim, which showed what qualities he has. I hope he performs in exactly the same way in the next three games."#BVBWOB

— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) May 2, 2025

Dortmund have surged up the table, taking 13 points from their last five games, and now sit sixth with three matches left to play. A Champions League spot is still within reach, but the Europa League remains a consolation prize if they fall short. RB Leipzig is just a point above them in fifth. Meanwhile, manager Niko Kovac, who previously led Wolfsburg, warned his team about the challenge from his former side, despite Dortmund's strong home record against them.

Dortmund have a strong home record against Wolfsburg, with an unbeaten streak of 11 matches, including nine wins. Wolfsburg have struggled to score at Westfalenstadion, netting just one goal there since the 2016-17 season. Kovac warned, “They're dangerous from set pieces and in transition. We have to be careful there.”

“I'm looking forward to seeing everyone (at Wolfsburg) again but we also know the importance of the game. Friendships will be put aside for 90 minutes.”