Kovac warns Dortmund ahead of crunch Hoffenheim test
Niko Kovac has warned Borussia Dortmund to be wary of Hoffenheim's threat as his side prepares for its penultimate Bundesliga home game of 2025.
Dortmund is currently third on the table and just two points better off than Hoffenheim, which is fifth and would move above its host with a win on Monday (AEDT).
Since its 2-1 loss to Bayern Munich in October, Dortmund has been unbeaten in five league matches, getting back to winning ways last weekend against Bayer Leverkusen.
But it succumbed to the same opponent in the DFB-Pokal in midweek to be knocked out of the competition.
The Black and Yellow have not lost at home in the Bundesliga this season, and Kovac is keen to use that strength to his advantage as he acknowledges the tough test his players face.
"They are in exceptionally good form, they are very strong runners and play with intensity," Kovac said. "That will be a challenge for us.
"They are a very serious and difficult opponent to play against.
"We are playing at home and want to take all three points against a direct rival. To do that, we have to play well – but I'm convinced we can."
Dortmund has trailed for just 91 minutes in the Bundesliga this season, the fewest of any team in the league heading into this weekend's slate of matches.
However, it has conceded six of its 11 goals in the Bundesliga this season in the final 15 minutes of matches, meaning Hoffenheim will feel confident, especially on the back of a six-match unbeaten streak that includes five wins and a solitary draw.
Dortmund won a 3-2 thriller in its most recent meeting with Hoffenheim, and Christian Ilzer says his side is determined to fight to the end once more.
"Playing in Dortmund is always a highlight," he said. "Last season, we scored the equaliser in the last minute.
"We don't fear the atmosphere, but we do have the necessary respect. There's a great deal of anticipation for the match.
"We want to put things into perspective. Dortmund are a top team and, apart from the match against Bayern, always the favourite. We are a dangerous and highly motivated outsider. We face an opponent that will demand everything from us."
