Kovac Urges Dortmund to End Goal Drought Against Sabah FC
Borussia Dortmund arrive in Baku needing a response when they meet Sabah FC on Champions League Matchday 3, with Niko Kovac demanding a sharper attacking display after consecutive matches without a goal.
Match facts
| Item | Figure or date | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Competition | Champions League, Matchday 3 | Sabah FC host Borussia Dortmund in Baku |
| Dortmund league-phase position | 18th, three points | After two fixtures |
| Recent Dortmund results | 0-1 at Bodo/Glimt; 0-0 v Union Berlin | Two games without scoring |
| Sabah’s recent European result | 2-0 v Slavia Prague | A result noted by Dortmund ahead of the trip |
Dortmund’s European campaign has produced three points from its opening two matches, leaving the Bundesliga club 18th in the league-phase standings. Their latest setback came in a 1-0 defeat away to Bodo/Glimt, before a scoreless domestic draw against Union Berlin extended the side’s current attacking drought.
Kovac said Dortmund must restore the speed and precision that has been missing in the final third. He believes the team has established routes to create danger, but has not applied them effectively in the last two outings.
“We have patterns in the final third that can make us dangerous, but we did not find them in the past two matches and that is why we did not score,” Kovac said. “To win, we must score and carry out those patterns.”
The Dortmund coach called for quicker passing, more accurate execution and a greater volume of finishing. While describing his team as clear favourites despite a demanding run of three away fixtures in seven days, he stressed that Sabah will be treated with full respect.
Kovac is also considering the need to introduce fresher players after the journey to Azerbaijan. Dortmund face a flight of around five hours and travel with several absentees, including Konstantinos Karetsas, Emre Can and Giannis Konstantelias.
Defender Daniel Svensson said his preparation has centred on detailed work on Sabah’s attacking players, particularly those he is most likely to face. He said he would approach the assignment as he does every match and be prepared regardless of the opposition selection.
Sabah have already shown they can produce a significant result in the league phase, having beaten Slavia Prague 2-0. Kovac has cautioned against any complacency against the Azerbaijani champions, whose victory has underlined the scale of the task in Baku.
Sabah coach Valdas Dambrauskas expects Dortmund’s recent lack of goals to add to their motivation rather than weaken them. He said his side would require an outstanding performance against a club of Dortmund’s standing and highlighted the visitors’ pressing speed as a particular challenge.
“They have not scored in their last two matches, so they will be even more determined,” Dambrauskas said. “Dortmund are among the biggest clubs in Germany and in world football. We are preparing for a very difficult game.”
Dambrauskas added that each league-phase fixture has brought a new lesson for Sabah, with Dortmund presenting another demanding European test.
