Niko Kovac is confident that Borussia Dortmund have the ability to turn their poor start in the Bundesliga around ahead of facing lowly Bochum this Saturday. 

Dortmund, who finished fifth last year and reached the Champions League final in June, are 11th in the German top-flight with just 29 points from their 21 matches so far. 

Indeed, this is BVB's worst points tally at this stage of a campaign since 2014-15 (22 under Jurgen Klopp), collecting a league-low four points since the turn of the year. 

Furthermore, Dortmund have conceded 36 goals so far this term, their joint-worst defensive record at this stage since 2000 (same as 2007-08 and 2021-22). 

That run of form saw previous head coach Nuri Sahin relieved of his duties, with Niko Kovac, who previously managed Bayern Munich, now at the helm. 

After losing his first game in charge to Stuttgart, Kovac secured his maiden win with a 3-0 victory over Sporting CP in their Champions League play-off first leg tie in midweek.

Though Kovac became the first Dortmund coach to lose their first Bundesliga game in charge since Bert van Marwijk in 2004, he is optimistic about getting his first league win on the board with BVB. 

"Our team is willing and ready to change things. We have quality and the ability to achieve the goals we have set ourselves," Kovac told reporters on Friday.

"Our team is capable of playing in a back three or back four. We are very variable, also in the build-up play. We need flexibility."

With 11 points from the first 21 games, this is Bochum's worst ever Bundesliga campaign.

No team in league history with a record this poor at this stage of the season has ever stayed up, but Bochum have won 82% of their points this season at home. 

Bochum have also won just one of their last 13 Bundesliga games against Dortmund (D5, L7) and are winless in six Bundesliga home games against BVB since 2007.

Despite their recent record in the Revierderby, Kovac is bracing for a tough test against the Bundesliga's bottom club. 

"We know what to expect from Bochum. Bochum are fighting to avoid relegation," Kovac said. 

We can expect a fight and a lot of tackles. We have to accept that in order to leave the pitch as winners. 

Dortmund will be without Chelsea loanee Carney Chukwuemeka due to injury, as well as Ramy Bensebaini and Julian Ryerson, with the latter suspended. 

"Julian Ryerson is suspended. Ramy Bensebaini is not yet available. Carney has some problems with his knee. He won't be involved tomorrow," Kovac added.