Last week, Niko Kovac extended his contract at Borussia Dortmund, which was set to expire at the end of the season, for two more years until 2029. A decision that has not gone down well with all BVB fans, given the Croatian's sometimes very defensively oriented playing style without attacking flair. A former professional has expressed a pointed suspicion.

Benny Lauth, the long-time 1860 Munich star, sees Niko Kovac as currently the best manager for Borussia Dortmund, but believes it is likely that the head coach will not fulfill his contract that was just extended until 2029. He emphasized that this would not be because Kovac is not good enough, but rather because he will probably eventually hit a ceiling and his standing is quite difficult in any case, for whatever reason, according to his comments on Wettfreunde.net.

To remain at Westfalenstadion long-term, it is important that the Croatian instills more attacking power into his side. The former striker drew an interesting comparison, noting that Diego Simeone comes to mind in this regard. He pointed out that Atletico Madrid was always defensive, always 0-0, always 1-0, but then Simeone took the next step and suddenly they play entertaining football, they score goals, and they concede some as well.

Borussia Dortmund: No signs of any crisis

Kovac must stick to his approach but also look a bit left and right and make some changes, according to the 45-year-old's demands on the BVB manager, who took over the Black and Yellows in early 2025 from eleventh place and sensationally led them into the Champions League. In 2025/2026, the Black and Yellows finished as runners-up behind Bayern Munich, and they currently occupy second place again.

However, Borussia Dortmund has struggled recently, failing to win in three consecutive matches. For cult manager Peter Neururer, there is certainly no sign of a genuine crisis. He stated firmly that there is certainly no indication of any crisis whatsoever, and that from a tactical and sporting perspective it is certainly not a crisis, but rather a discussion that is being opened up in an extremely restless environment.

Of course, the Black and Yellows must now deliver the right response, the former Schalke manager demanded, but added that history shows this was just a minor slip-up and there is absolutely no reason to be nervous.