Kovač relishing “special experience” of the Pokal, tips Mané for start in Essen

Here’s what BVB head coach Niko Kovač had to say in his first press conference of 2025/26.

Ahead of their season opener against Rot-Weiss Essen, Borussia Dortmund’s Niko Kovač answered questions at his press conference for the game on Monday. 

The 53-year-old discussed their 3.Liga opponents Essen, what he expects from his team’s performance come kick-off at 8.45pm (CET). 

“They’ve already played two games, which is always an advantage. But we’re a Bundesliga team and we have to win the game – that’s our goal too.

“We’re the ones who have to push through our game. It’s about us; we have to deliver our performance. And it can’t be 95%, but 100%. We take it very seriously.

“As a player and coach, you always want to win titles. The cup is very interesting, and anyone who has played it knows it’s a special experience.

“We at BVB want to reach the final – win six games, and you’ll win the cup,” said Kovač, before singling out Filippo Mané for praise who looks set to start against Essen.

“Opportunities and risks are always close together. He’s [Mané] done very well in pre-season. I have complete confidence in him. If nothing extraordinary happens in training, he’ll be given that confidence,” he explained.