Niko Kovac slams lack of passion as Dortmund 'deserved to lose' Champions League clash

Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac has criticised his side’s lack of passion and intensity following their disappointing 1-0 away defeat to Bodø/Glimt in the Champions League. 

Fredrik Sjovold’s second-half strike sealed all three points for the Norwegian side, while BVB struggled to impose themselves. 

Speaking to DAZN after the loss, Kovac admitted that his team had been second-best for much of the encounter. 

“We basically weren’t in the game until after conceding,” he said. 

“In the first half, we didn’t play with the passion, intensity or football that we need in order to win. 

“It was only after the quadruple substitution that we got into the game better and took control of it somewhat. But up until that point, the opposition were clearly the better team. So we can’t complain. We deserved to lose the game.”

Kovac made several changes to his starting eleven for the trip, but this decision ultimately failed to pay off. Asked whether the players brought into the team had failed to take their opportunity, the Croatian accepted responsibility while his anger was made clear. 

“Ultimately, every single player in our squad has the quality to play,” he said. “That didn’t work today. I have to say that quite clearly. 

“I’m the one responsible for that. I picked the team, but the passion was simply missing today. They did that much better, and that’s why they deservedly took the lead. It was only then that we woke up, but by that point it was too late.”

The BVB boss was also critical of his side’s attacking approach. 

“We didn’t do well at all with the ball today. The opposition were much quicker, much more agile and attacked the spaces in behind much better than we did,” he added. 

“We played everything into feet, nothing behind the defensive line. If you don’t play in behind, you can’t stretch the opposition or disrupt their defensive shape.”

With a Bundesliga trip to Union Berlin awaiting on Saturday, Kovac stressed the importance of an immediate response.

“We know what’s needed in Berlin. It’ll be another intense game, with a lot of commitment, passion and determination,” he said.

“Only then can we start playing football. If we think we can simply go there and play football, we’ve experienced often enough that it doesn’t work like that. 

“So we have to be ready from the start.”