Kovac backed by Ricken after inconsistent start as Dortmund coach

Niko Kovac has been backed by Lars Ricken after an inconsistent start to life as Borussia Dortmund coach.

A four-match unbeaten run came to an end for Borussia Dortmund on Saturday as they went down to a disappointing 0-1 defeat against Augsburg.

Having lost three of his first nine games in charge of Borussia Dortmund since taking over from Nuri Sahin in February, Niko Kovac has already faced his fair share of criticism.

But Dortmund managing director for sport Lars Ricken is backing the Croatian coach, insisting he needs time.

“Niko Kovac can’t make this inconsistency, which unfortunately already existed under Edin Terzic and Nuri Sahin, disappear within a few weeks,” Ricken told Bild.

“There has already been an upward trend under Niko. You could see that in the 3-0 win in Lisbon, the 2-0 win against Pauli and the 6-0 win against Union. It’s definitely not down to the coach,” he continued.

After a 1-1 draw in the first leg, Borussia Dortmund will now head to Lille for the return leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, and Ricken is expecting a reaction from the players.

“The whole team is called upon to finally show fighting spirit and an irrepressible will to win on Wednesday in Lille, then against Leipzig, Mainz and Freiburg, and not just for one half like in the first leg against Lille, but until the referee blows the final whistle.”