Kovac looking for UCL form in the Bundesliga
Niko Kovac wants Borussia Dortmund to view its Bundesliga game against RB Leipzig as a UEFA Champions League match, hoping some of its success will rub off in the domestic league.
Dortmund earned its place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals with a 2-1 win at Lille, securing a 3-2 aggregate victory, but it has been a completely different story in the Bundesliga.
With just three victories from its past 10 league matches, Dortmund has dropped to 10th place and is at serious risk of missing out on UEFA Champions League football next season.
It is currently on 35 points, with seven points separating it and fourth-placed Eintracht Frankfurt.
With six points from his past five Bundesliga matches in charge, Kovac has made the worst start of any Dortmund coach since Jurgen Rober in 2007.
Dortmund has collected just 10 points from its first eight matches in the second half of the season, its worst return since 2008-2009.
"If it was that easy, we would do it," Kovac said when asked whether he would consider playing the UEFA Champions League anthem in the team's changing room to inspire his players.
"I am convinced that the team knows that tomorrow we play against Leipzig in the league but it is a Champions League team, a tough opponent who has to perform well.
"I think this will be additional motivation to play exactly as we played in Lille. To show that relentless commitment, that togetherness, everything that made us strong. That is the prerequisite for a successful game."
With only one win from its past nine league games, Leipzig has also dropped down the pecking order in the Bundesliga and is sixth with 39 points.
However, it has a strong record against Dortmund, winning six of its past eight games against the Schwarzgelben in all competitions, losing only two, including all four home fixtures since summer 2021.
Dortmund did win the reverse fixture 2-1, but hasn't been victorious in Leipzig since January 2021, when it won 3-1.
"Leipzig are not where they want to be. One win, six draws and two defeats," Kovac added.
"I think Leipzig are a strong team. They did not play during the week so they are fresher."
