After substitution
Refused handshake: Kovač reacts to Guirassy anger
November 29, 2025 – 11:05 p.mReading time: 1 min.
Against Bayer Leverkusen, BVB striker Serhou Guirassy had to leave the field early – and reacted angrily. However, coach Niko Kovač is calm about it.
Serhou Guirassy clearly showed his frustration after being substituted in the game at Bayer Leverkusen – but the BVB striker does not have to fear any consequences. For coach Niko Kovač, the scene was quickly put to rest.
In the 61st minute, Kovač took the attacker off the pitch. Guirassy reacted angrily, threw his gloves to the ground and appeared to refuse to shake the coach’s hand. Immediately after the final whistle, Kovač tried to talk to the player – and then hugged him.
“Everything is fine again. Serhou and I are one heart and one soul,” said Kovač after the 2-1 win at Bayer Leverkusen.
The 54-year-old was calm about the situation: “I’m 54 years old now. Maybe I would have reacted differently a few years ago.” Everything had been clarified, the coach continued: “He also understood why that was the case.” Kovač also showed understanding: “It wouldn’t be nice if he came out smiling and satisfied.”
Nevertheless, he knew that “this will of course be an issue now, but unnecessary,” said Kovač on Sky and emphasized: “So if anyone is holding up Serhou, it’s me.” However, Guirassy has to accept that “I’m replacing him because I think Fabio gave the cross for the second goal.” This meant Fabio Silva, who set up Karim Adeyemi to make it 2-0 shortly after coming on as a substitute.