Borussia Dortmund is embarking on a bold new direction for the season. The club invested around 100 million euros this summer, focusing on a handful of teenage talents.
The aim is clear: after finishing second in the 2025 Bundesliga with 64 points and 19 wins, but twelve points behind Bayern Munich, the gap must be closed. The team scored 60 goals and conceded 29 last season. The next opportunity comes on September 5th with an away match against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, who are currently sixth.
A moment from the Franz-Beckenbauer-Supercup last weekend offered a glimpse. Giannis Konstantelias cut inside from the left wing and played a clever through ball to Daniel Svensson. The Dane provided a direct assist for Fábio Silva, who scored against Bayern Munich. This simple and beautiful goal fuelled fantasies, free from the effort associated with the term 'Kovač football'. That term was burned into Dortmund's image from the previous campaign.
The investment in teenagers marks a strategic shift. The decision-makers hope fresh, unburdened talent will increase attacking dynamism. The young players are meant to give the team a new identity. At the same time, the squad must cope with several absences. Currently sidelined are Nico Schlotterbeck, Carney Chukwuemeka and Ramy Bensebaini.
So-called 'Kovač football' stands for a very disciplined and physically demanding approach. Last year, this was often criticised as laborious and lacking in creativity. The new generation is now supposed to bring more spontaneity and game intelligence. The question is whether the young players can develop the necessary maturity for the top level quickly enough.
The final results of last season, a run of four wins and one loss (LWWWW), show the existing potential. The final standings confirm the second-place finish. To consistently challenge Bayern, however, consistency over an entire season is required. The major investments increase the pressure on the coach and the team.
The focus is now fully on preparing for Hoffenheim. This match will be the first real test of the new team structure. A look at the squad reveals the heavy reliance on youth. Integrating the newcomers into Niko Kovač's tactical system is the top priority.
Last season's record and the clear objective define the path ahead. The team must prove that the expensive rebuild is not only a project for the future, but is already bearing fruit. The coming weeks will show if the fresh start with Kovač and the teenagers is the right approach in the attack on Bayern.
