Kovac is ready for a new schedule in the United States

In recent days, the Dortmund training ground has been very calm before the storm. However, for head coach Nico Kovac, the phrase “the tired one doesn’t rest” will certainly resonate as he can’t take his attention away from the ball, as the FIFA Club World Cup™ will kick off in the United States in less than three weeks.

The event brings together the 32 strongest teams on the planet to play in a complete World Cup format and will set a new gold standard for global club competitions. Kovac didn’t forget the importance of this moment: “This is the first time in history that this is a Club World Cup like this. It’s special for all teams and coaches. It’s an honor to be one of them. The match is held in the iconic stadium in the United States, where millions of people around the world will focus on the game and will fill in columns and broadcast time around the world, Dortmund is ready to be the focus of the spotlight. Off the court, the coach is well aware that the opportunity this event represents can strengthen the club’s global image. As far as on-court action is concerned, he’s equally excited about his team’s chance to broaden his horizons.

“We really won’t meet clubs in South America or Asia,” the former Croatian international noted. “You’re in Europe to play in the Champions League or play with national teams, but facing these teams is a whole new territory for us. "We don't know very well what will happen. This only adds to expectations.

Quick Fact-Inquiry

Adventures to explore unknown areas will bring not only excitement, but also challenges. They say that preparation is half the success, so everyone in Dortmund spares no effort to understand the inside story of the club's upcoming opponents: "We have to collect information, sifter materials and analyze the lens."

"We are not familiar with the vast majority of the players in question, the style of the team's game or the intensity of their league." The club's analysis department is working hard to process the data and trying to unravel the tactical systems to find out which teams press high, what type of defensive formations they use, and which players are most threatening: "It takes time, and now the supply is in short supply.

The baptism of fire?

The Germans will face a real severe test in the opening game against Fluminensee. Rio de Janeiro's outfit is full of technical qualities and exudes South American flair and skill. Kovac has no fantasy about their strength: "Brazil teams are always top-notch, and Fluminensee is also very successful, so they should be considered the favorites to qualify from the group with us. The tactician stressed that the opening game could be crucial: “The first game is always important because according to the results, you either have to bear the pressure in the second and third games, or you can take a more relaxed approach.

This game will be held at the Metropolitan Life Stadium in New York, New Jersey, with semi-finals and finals later. The possibility of adding glory to this atmospheric venue multiple times will undoubtedly be an attractive prospect for all participants. The Dortmund coach is hoping that the match against Fluminense will accommodate a large crowd: “We expect the stadium to be full.” There are a lot of Brazilians living in the United States, so we assume it will be crowded.

Ambition combined with respect

New York and New Jersey will also host the final of the 26th FIFA World Cup, with former head coaches of Croatia, Frankfurt, Bayern Munich, Monaco and Wolfsburg regarding the Club World Cup as a rehearsal for the event: "It will be interesting to see the state of preparing for the biggest event. 2026 World Cup.

Kovac does not take it for granted, whether against Fluminense or the subsequent opponents of his team, Mamerodi Sunset Football Club of South Africa and Ulsan of South Korea: "We know the other two teams won't take it as a holiday. They will want to leave their mark. We must maintain professionalism and respect to achieve our goals.

Kovac Style: Direct but down-to-earth

For most of his four months coaching Chelsea, the former midfielder has time to adjust the team's layout to suit his vision. He described himself as a straightforward, approachable leader: “I’m good at communicating, open, but also candid. As a coach, I go all out, but you have to get some rewards, and that’s what I expect from the players. The team seems certainly accepting Kovac’s approach: “I find that the team is really happy to accept and willing to move in a new direction.” This support is essential to the coach, because although he is not a roaring and reveling person, he is still a harsh overseer: “Success can only be achieved through good, old-fashioned hard work.

Spreading Dortmund's German-Yellow Black Spirit

Before heading to the United States, Kovac and his colleagues still have a lot of work to do. Tuchel, 53, knows very well that winning the Club World Cup is not a walk in the park, but he supports his team to face the challenge: “It will be a challenge for us, but we believe we have the ability.”

If Dortmund can live up to this optimism and provide the combination of work speed, team spirit and tactical discipline that this top Berlin-born player cherishes, the event will trigger a wave of black and yellow craze not only in the United States, but around the world, heralding a new era for the club.