This season, Bayern Munich largely dominates the debates in the Bundesliga. Undefeated, the Rekordmeister totals 28 points. Or 7 more than Borussia Dortmund. The German team is currently third in the standings, behind Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig (2nd, 22 points). You could almost say it’s an achievement. In addition to the level of play, which is far from convincing, the situation is very tense behind the scenes among the Marsupials. First of all, there is a certain tension between Niko Kovac and some of his players or their entourages. A few weeks ago, the Croatian sent the Bellingham clan into a tailspin. Recruited for €30 million this summer, Jobe, who played at Sunderland, does not have enough playing time according to his father Mark. He did not understand the management and the choices of the coach.
Mark Bellingham exploded in the stadium corridors after a game. Sports director Sebastian Kehl was obviously unhappy. “We are all disappointed with yesterday’s result. However, the activity area is and remains reserved for players, coaches and management, and not for families and advisors. This won’t happen again. We have clearly informed everyone concerned.” But the Englishman’s father has not necessarily calmed down since Bild revealed that he is still unhappy with his son’s treatment and would sue Kovac again. The latter tries as best he can to manage the situation. Especially since he visibly gets along well with Jobe Bellingham according to the German press.
Tension between Kovac and his group
The former Monaco coach also has to manage another burning case: that of Nico Schlotterbeck. Pillar of the BVB defense, the German has a lot of trouble with his coach. He does not appreciate his playing philosophy and criticizes the lack of spectacle, and the fact of rotating the team too much. Recently, after the draw (1-1) against Hamburg, he said: “After leading 1-0, we lost control of the match a little. We have to play football.” A bitter observation which is a wasted bullet for Kovac according to the German press. Bild also indicates that Schlotterbeck, whose name has been mentioned in big clubs like Barça, conditions his contract extension to the dismissal of Niko Kovac. If the latter stays, he will not extend his lease beyond June 2027.
All this irritates Borussia Dortmund, who does not understand the position of their player who made another speech a few months ago. The tension is also palpable with Karim Adeyemi. Ruhr Nachrichten talks about an almost father-son relationship between Kovac and the German, whom he really likes. But the latter did not at all like the fact of having been replaced a few days ago. To make matters worse, the player under contract until 2027 and his agent, Jorge Mendes, are starting to discuss with other clubs including Manchester United. For its part, the BVB has not made any progress in recent weeks regarding a contract extension for the player, who wants a long-term contract while including a release clause. What the BVB refuses. A departure cannot therefore be completely ruled out. The sum of €80 million is advanced. And he is not the only player concerned.
The future is unclear for several players
Bild indicates that around ten players will reach the end of their contract in June 2026 or 2027 and that Dortmund will have to decide. For some, it’s already seen everything. The German media assures that Niklas Süle will leave at the end of his lease in June. He already talked about it in the locker room. Cole Campbell could leave this winter. He is angry because he believes he does not have enough playing time. He only played 16 minutes and wants to leave. Dortmund does not rule out a loan. The player is not against a permanent transfer. Alexander Meyer, Salih Ozcan, Pascal Groß, Julian Brandt and Emre Can see their contracts expire this summer. But management wants to continue with Brandt and Can, who already has an option to extend in 2027 linked to his playing time this season. Whatever happens, the club wants to keep him. There are also 6 of them, including Schlotterbeck, Adeyemi, Sabitzer and Bensebaïni, who are still under contract until 2027. For them too, Dortmund will have to make a choice. Things are definitely happening behind the scenes!
