Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac takes nothing for granted ahead of their visit to VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga on Saturday.
His side is currently on a five-game winning run in all competitions, which includes a perfect start to the league campaign with three wins from as many games.
Comparatively, Die Roten are down in 14th place after accruing just one win and three points from their opening three matches of the season.
Yet, Kovac isn't taking them lightly. In his address to the press before the massive kick-off, he hailed their rivals as a 'balanced' unit.
"This is a very well-balanced team that can do a lot with the ball and has many talented individual players. Three points sounds like very little right now, but they faced Bayern and Hoffenheim in their first three games. Those aren’t easy opponents."
The Swabians began their campaign at the home of reigning German champions Bayern Munich, who dealt them a 5-1 hammering on matchday one.
Although Stuttgart recovered to beat FC Koln 4-1 at home the following weekend, Hoffenheim beat them 2-1 in their next, handing them another blow.
However, their record at home is still encouraging, as Sebastian Hoeneß's side are unbeaten in their last five games at home and also beat Norwegian side Viking 4-0 in the Champions League last week.
"With the atmosphere there, it’s going to be very difficult for any opponent—including us this weekend."Kovac further added.
Since the start of 2025-26 Bundesliga season, Stuttgart have lost only two games at the MHPArena and interestingly, one of them is against their next opponents.
Dortmund famously pulled off a 2-0 victory at the stadium in April with Bayern Munich being the only other opponent to walk away from the venue with all three points.
Despite a blistering run right now though, Kovac is cautious against getting ahead of his skies and asserted that his club still needs time to hit the throttle.
"We’ve seen a lot of good things. We defend well as a unit. We’re transitioning really well right now. When we have possession, there are a few things we can do even better—play more cleanly. But it’s early in the season, and we still need time."
Also, with the upcoming game being their last before the international break, the BVB chief is eager to head into it on a high.
"We not only have a solid points cushion but also a lot of confidence. The lads are in a positive frame of mind; they’re focused. We want to end it on a positive note, because it’s much nicer to head home with a win."
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