Niko Kovac calls for 'Klassiker courage' as Borussia Dortmund host Bayern Munich
By
SABC Sport
28th February 2026
Niko Kovac has demanded courage and composure from Borussia Dortmund as they prepare to face Bayern Munich, insisting his side must be "brave in possession" if they are to beat the German champions at Signal Iduna Park.
Speaking ahead of Saturday evening's Bundesliga clash, the Dortmund coach made it clear that intensity and belief will be key.
"FC Bayern Munich are a top team that will demand everything from us," said Kovac. "We have to play to our very best from the first to the last second."
The Dortmund boss confirmed that Nico Schlotterbeck is fit to start. "Schlotti is ready to play from the start," he said, while also revealing that Emre Can is available again after a lengthy absence. "He coped well and is ready to play."
However, Dortmund must reshuffle at the back. Julian Ryerson is suspended after collecting his fifth yellow card against RB Leipzig, while Niklas Sule (hamstring) and Filippo Mane (muscular injury) remain sidelined.
Kovac pointed to October's away performance in Munich as the benchmark. "We need to take our second-half performance in Munich as a reference. We played well back then. We need to be brave in possession and keep the ball for long spells," he explained. "It will be a very intense match for 90 minutes."
After their Champions League exit in Bergamo last week, Kovac said the focus has shifted firmly forward. "Now we have to focus on tomorrow's game. We are all looking forward to it. We have a very fit squad," he said. "We will field eleven players who will give their all."
Gregor Kobel is expected to start in goal, with Can, Anton and Schlotterbeck forming the core of the defence. In midfield, Nmecha and Jobe Bellingham could be supported by Couto and Svensson, while Adeyemi and Beier are set to back striker Guirassy.
On the Bayern side, Vincent Kompany is awaiting final medical updates. Manuel Neuer is close to returning from a muscle injury. "It's all positive - but maybe not for tomorrow," Kompany said. "If not, we'll go with Jonas Urbig."
Konrad Laimer has trained all week and should be ready, while Alphonso Davies is running again and expected back in March. Kompany added: "We can put out a very strong starting line-up."
With both sides managing key absences, the latest Klassiker promises intensity, quality and, as Kovac demanded, bravery.
