Kovač vows to take positives from “nerve-wracking” game in Turin

BVB’s head coach and goalkeeper reflected on what was a hectic night at the Allianz Stadium.

After an exhilarating 4-4 stalemate with Juventus to kickstart their Champions League campaign, Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovač reflected on the highs and lows in Turin.

“It was nerve-wracking. I have to pay the team a compliment for playing so well in front of such passionate fans and performing so well in the first half.

“We didn’t create much going forward, but we controlled the game. Before the second half, we said: We need to get into the final third more and take shots at goal.

“The guys did a great job of that. The last four minutes weren’t good. That’s what hurts so much. But compliments to the boys nonetheless,” he added. 

BVB’s goalkeeper Gregor Kobel also spoke to the media after the game. The Swiss shot-stopper highlighted his frustration at letting the win slip and vowed the team will do better. 

 “We’re disappointed. We had to win the game. We can’t concede two goals in stoppage time. We can’t allow ourselves to end up with a draw after playing such a great game.

 “At half-time, we said we needed to play more attacking football and that we wanted to score goals. We did that. But of course, I’m annoyed that we conceded four goals – two of them in stoppage time.

“The result, getting one point, is okay, but we had the chance to get three. We needed to see the game over the line in a cooler and more composed manner. You just have to defend,” he said.