Inside the rebuild of Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund’s rebuild under Niko Kovač is not just about replacing departed stars—it’s about rediscovering the identity that once made them champions. Four first-team departures this summer were offset by targeted arrivals, but the real shift is philosophical. The club’s leadership and manager are prioritising youthful energy and vertical football over the cautious pragmatism that blurred their traditional style. At Signal Iduna Park, the message is clear: Dortmund are no longer content with safe consolidation. They want to entertain again.

A squad reshaped, not replaced

Kovač has retained the spine of the team—goalkeeper, centre-back, and midfielder—while adding two Greek wingers whose arrival has energised the fanbase. Giannis Konstantelias, the creative force from Olympiacos, made his competitive debut in the Supercup, coming off the bench to inject pace and directness against Bayern Munich. His runs unsettled the champions, nearly sparking a late comeback from a two-goal deficit. The other addition, 18-year-old Konstantin Karetsas, represents the club’s commitment to developing raw talent alongside established performers. Together, they signal a return to the “rock-and-roll football” that defined Dortmund under Jürgen Klopp.

The departures of Karim Adeyemi and Julian Brandt have created gaps, but Kovač is unapologetic. “We need to replace these goals, it is clear,” he told Sky Sports. “Of course, we cannot replace players like that immediately.” The focus now is on blending the new arrivals with the remaining core. Julian Ryerson, speaking after the Supercup, described the mood as “positive” and acknowledged the potential of the group. The Norwegian defender’s tone suggests belief that this blend could elevate the side beyond last season’s underwhelming consistency.

From caution to confidence

Dortmund’s recent seasons were marked by conservative signings—experienced players signed to secure Champions League football rather than push for titles. That approach diluted their identity. Now, the club is reversing course. The Supercup performance, though ultimately a defeat, offered a glimpse of what could come. Konstantelias’s impact was the standout moment: a player who thrives in transitional moments, carrying the ball forward with intent. His presence alone shifted the dynamic inside the stadium, where the Yellow Wall’s reaction was audible even through broadcast coverage.

The club’s executives have echoed Kovač’s ambition. Speaking to Sky Sports, they framed the rebuild as a return to first principles—counter-pressing, vertical transitions, and high-intensity football. This is not a rebuild from scratch, but a recalibration. The retained spine provides stability, while the new wingers add unpredictability. The message is simple: Dortmund are not rebuilding to survive. They are rebuilding to thrive.

Tactics: the counter-pressing pivot

The new-look Dortmund are built to press aggressively in the opposition half. Kovač’s system relies on quick turnovers, with wingers positioned to exploit the flanks when possession is recovered. Konstantelias’s role is particularly crucial—his ability to dribble past defenders and deliver crosses or cut-backs aligns with Dortmund’s desire to play with tempo. The midfield, anchored by the retained experienced player, must provide the necessary cover during transitions. This structure demands fitness and discipline, traits Kovač has emphasised in pre-season training. The Supercup showed glimpses of this approach, even if Bayern’s experience ultimately prevailed. The real test will come in the Bundesliga, where consistency—not moments of brilliance—will define the project’s success.

What comes next

The rebuild is underway, but the road ahead is steep. Bayern Munich remain the benchmark in Germany, and European competition will demand ruthless efficiency. Yet the optimism at Dortmund is palpable. The club’s leadership has shown faith in Kovač’s vision, and the squad now reflects that vision more closely than it has in years. The Supercup was a statement of intent, not a final answer. If the new signings can deliver on their promise, and the retained players rediscover their best form, Dortmund could soon be more than just challengers—they could be title contenders again.

The rebuild is not complete, but the direction is clear. Dortmund are no longer playing it safe. They are playing to win—and to thrill.