In the top game against Bayern
Kovač gives reason for Guirassy’s bank position
02/28/2026 – 6:19 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Borussia Dortmund will initially be without Serhou Guirassy in the top game against FC Bayern. Niko Kovač reveals the reason.
On Saturday evening, BVB welcomes Bayern for the top Bundesliga game. Both coaches are changing their starting eleven compared to the previous game: Niko Kovač makes five changes, Vincent Kompany three times. Serhou Guirassy’s banking center particularly stands out.
“It’s Lent for Serhou and Ramy,” said the Dortmund coach on Sky, referring to Guirassy and Bensebaini, referring to the Muslim fasting month. “They’ve been fasting for two weeks. We’ve played four games in that time. It takes a lot of energy when you can’t eat or drink anything all day.”
When asked whether both of them were not used to this from previous years, Kovač replied: “I’ll give you a study, then you can read about what it means as a high-performance athlete not to eat or drink anything.” Even without a study, the trainer himself perceived “an influence on performance”.
In the disastrous 1:4 in Bergamo, defensive player Bensebaini in particular came under criticism. Guirassy, on the other hand, has recently found his form again, scoring five goals in the last four Bundesliga games.
“As a coach, I have to take responsibility and look after the health of my players – and those who are fresh,” says Kovač, who sees it as his duty to act during Ramadan. Sky expert Lothar Matthäus, however, reacted “not surprised” and recognizes an offensive plan even without Guirassy: “This is a formation that shows me that you want to play forward with speed.”
