Kovac Embraces Risk in Pursuit of Haaland
As Borussia Dortmund prepares for their Champions League clash against Manchester City, coach Niko Kovac faces a strategic challenge. His primary focus is how to contain star striker Erling Haaland. The match is scheduled for Wednesday at 21:00.
Kovac Embraces Risk in Pursuit of Haaland
Dortmund arrives at the Etihad Stadium after facing delays due to Manchester’s evening traffic. Kovac, along with player Pascal Groß, stepped into a rainy Manchester ready to discuss their upcoming opponent.
Upcoming Challenge: Manchester City
This encounter marks Dortmund’s fourth match in the group stage against a formidable adversary. They are currently tied in group standings with seven points each, making this game critical.
Stopping Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland, regarded as one of the best strikers globally, has been in phenomenal form. He has scored 26 goals across 16 matches this season for both Manchester City and the Norwegian national team.
- Recent performance: Two goals in a 3-1 victory against AFC Bournemouth.
- Assists came from Ryan Cherki, showcasing City’s quick counter-attacks.
Kovac acknowledges the difficulty of stopping Haaland. He described him as “exceptional,” emphasizing his consistent scoring ability. The key question is how Kovac’s tactics will adapt to counter this perceived threat.
Kovac’s Tactical Philosophy
Despite the challenge, Kovac is determined to stick with his high-press strategy. He believes in maintaining an aggressive defense, stating, “The higher you defend, the more chances you have to win the ball and keep the opponent away from the goal.”
He reckons that relying solely on a defensive strategy would be detrimental to their chances. “We aim to break free from our defensive setup and prevent the game from being played in our half,” he explained.
Team Dynamics
Although halting Haaland is paramount, both Kovac and Groß acknowledge that Manchester City possesses quality players throughout the entire squad. Groß insists, “Stopping Haaland must be a collective effort.”
Club executive Lars Ricken expressed a broader viewpoint by stating that while neutralizing Haaland is essential, it won’t guarantee success against City’s depth in talent. He emphasized their defensive capabilities, suggesting that Dortmund’s center-backs can present a challenge for Haaland.
Analyzing City’s Recent Form
City is not as invincible as they once seemed. Many key players have departed, making them more vulnerable than previous seasons. However, they still boast an array of world-class talents that pose continuous threats on the field.
As they prepare for this critical match, Dortmund aims not just to contain Haaland but to leverage their strengths to secure a valuable victory.
