Borussia Dortmund secured a second-place finish in the Bundesliga with a 3-2 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday evening, a result that pleased manager Niko Kovac. The win ensured Dortmund will finish the season with 70 points, a figure Kovac expressed satisfaction with despite the club’s ongoing trophy drought.
Speaking after the match, Kovac acknowledged a slow start but was largely positive about his team’s performance. “We saw a very good finish to this last home game with a nice and deserved victory,” he stated. He noted the team quickly gained control after an early setback and praised the importance of scoring before halftime. The second half, he conceded, was more open and competitive.
Friday’s match was also marked by farewells, including sporting director Sebastian Kehl and players Julian Brandt, Marco Reus, and Raphael Guerreiro. Brandt, who captained the side, is set to play his final game for Dortmund against his former club, Werder Bremen, in the season finale. Reus and Guerreiro are also departing after long spells with the Black and Yellows.
Despite the impending departures and the lack of silverware – marking a fifth consecutive season without a trophy – Kovac focused on the positive aspects of the campaign. He highlighted the team’s resilience and their ability to secure a strong points total. Dortmund’s second-place finish guarantees them Champions League football next season.
Kovac took over as Dortmund manager in November 2023, replacing Edin Terzić after a disappointing start to the season. While he was unable to deliver a trophy, he stabilized the team and guided them to a respectable league position. The club has not yet confirmed any plans regarding a replacement for Kovac, leaving his future at the Signal Iduna Park uncertain.
