After a duel win against Cologne
BVB coach Kovač announces drastic step
Updated 10/26/2025 – 12:30 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
In the end, Borussia Dortmund found their way back to success in the Bundesliga against Cologne. Nevertheless, Niko Kovač announces drastic changes.
Two returnees provide new dynamics in the Dortmund team structure. Kovač makes it clear: For some players the squad is getting tighter. With Emre Can and Julien Duranville, two long-term injured players are about to make a comeback. “We’re lucky that we’re all healthy. That’s not everyday either. Emre Can is coming back now, Julien Duranville is coming back. That means I’ll send some of them to the stands now too.”
Captain Emre Can had been sidelined for months due to adductor problems, Duranville has been out since July with an acromioclavicular injury. According to Kovač, both are in the final phase of rehabilitation. The BVB coach had already explained before the game in Cologne: “Emre Can and Julien Duranville are getting more and more involved. It’s still partial integration, but they’re making progress. Emre trained with the second team when we were in Copenhagen. That’s important for him to get the ball.”
The personnel alternatives are increasing, which is also reflected in initial decisions. Salih Özcan was already missing from the squad against Cologne. The coach is likely to have more names to follow soon.
In addition to the positive news about the squad situation, the game against Cologne was overshadowed by a scene in the final phase: Karim Adeyemi was upset after being substituted in the 79th minute and threw a water bottle onto the substitutes’ bench as he passed by. Kovač reacted clearly: “I think something like that is unnecessary. I say the following to the boys, because it’s relatively simple: If you don’t want to go out, then your friend Maxi Beier or whoever won’t come in. So if you can allow yourself to not want to go out, then you’ll stay in for 90 minutes – but please clarify that with your friend.”
Kovač once again emphasized the team spirit: “We are a team. Football is a team sport and that is the only way we can be successful.”