Borussia Dortmund managing director Lars Ricken has revealed that Niko Kovac has 'consistently developed' the club after he signed a contract extension.
The manager signed a new deal with the BVB that is set to keep him in the job until June 2029.
He was appointed as the head coach in February 2025 after Nuri Sahin's departure when Dortmund were languishing in 11th place and endured a treacherous start to his tenure with four defeats from his first five games in-charge, but eventually guided them to a Champions League-finish.
Since then, Dortmund have been restored to their earlier status as one of the two best sides in the German top-flight with a runners-up finish in the Bundesliga last season. At 73 points, the club also registered their best tally in seven years.
Ricken has hailed the progress the club has witnessed under Kovac's tutelage. He said:
"With Niko Kovac, we’ve been on a very good path since he took office a little over a year and a half ago. He has consistently developed the team and is highly regarded within our club."
On contract extension, he further added that the stability seen under Kovac is what drew the club to extend his terms.
"Extending Niko’s contract is also a clear sign of consistency and stability at Borussia Dortmund. And Niko knows what he has in Borussia Dortmund. That’s why we quickly agreed to continue on this path together."
In the new season too, Dortmund have lost just once in eight matches matches, a defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich in the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup in August, while winning six, coming consecutively after the Der Klassiker loss.
Sporting director Nils-Ole Book spoke highly of his personal relationship with Kovac, who he revealed operates with 'extreme meticulousness'.
"A trusting relationship has developed between Niko and me since my first day here. Niko works with extreme meticulousness, and his experience gives him a calmness that benefits the team. We’re in touch almost daily and are working on taking the next steps with the team to ensure BVB’s success."
The biggest task facing Kovac is guiding Dortmund to their first trophy since 2021, while there's also the long Bundesliga title drought of 14 years. The BVB managed to push Bayern a long way last season before a spectacular implosion during the home stretch - three losses in four - ended it all.
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