Niko Kovac has been appointed as the new head coach of Borussia Dortmund as the team seeks to turn around what has been a difficult season. The 51-year-old, who previously led Bayern Munich and Monaco, is set to begin his role this Sunday.

In a recent statement, club managing director for sport Lars Ricken mentioned that discussions about potential signings will take place with Kovac before the transfer window closes on Monday. Ricken expressed enthusiasm about Kovac’s coaching style, stating, “Niko’s teams have always been characterised by energy, determination, and a sense of the importance of team spirit.” He emphasized the need for these qualities to be evident on and off the pitch, considering the current challenging circumstances.

While interim coach Mike Tullberg celebrated a 3-1 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League — marking Dortmund’s first win of the calendar year — he is expected to continue in his role for the upcoming Bundesliga match against Heidenheim. This announcement from Ricken also confirmed that Kovac has signed a contract that will keep him with the club until the end of the next season. Joining him will be his brother, former Dortmund player Robert Kovac, as part of his coaching staff.

Kovac takes the helm of a struggling team currently sitting 11th in the Bundesliga and facing potential playoff matches for the Champions League after a disappointing 10th place finish in the league phase. The club parted ways with former coach Nuri Sahin last week following a defeat to Bologna.

In his own words, Kovac highlighted the importance of determination, heart, and hard work in representing Borussia Dortmund amid the intensity of the Bundesliga, Champions League, and the upcoming Club World Cup this summer. “We are taking on this challenge with determination and focus,” he declared in the official club statement.

This marks Kovac’s return to coaching after a brief hiatus since his dismissal from Wolfsburg in March. Born in Berlin, he has a rich soccer history, having played internationally for Croatia and coaching the national team from 2013 to 2015.