Niko Kovac wants Borussia Dortmund to rediscover their winning form when they face Sabah FK in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Dortmund have gone three games without a victory and have failed to score in their last two matches, increasing the pressure on Kovac’s side to respond against the Azerbaijani club.
However, Sabah will be confident after securing their first-ever Champions League victory with a 2-0 win over Slavia Prague last week.
Kovac has warned his players against underestimating their opponents but insists Dortmund have no excuse for failing to collect three points.
“We’re taking the opponent seriously, especially since they won 2-0 here against Prague in their last game,” the Dortmund coach said on Monday.
“We have to be sharp, and I hope that as the game goes on, we can show the qualities we undoubtedly possess. We’re the clear favourites here, and we want to – and must – win this game.”
Dortmund’s biggest challenge will be turning their attacking opportunities into goals. Kovac believes his players must improve their execution in the final third after drawing a blank in their previous two outings.
“We have our plays in the final third to create danger. We haven’t been able to execute them in the last two games, which is why we haven’t scored,” he said.
The 55-year-old wants his team to move the ball quicker, show greater precision and test the opposition goalkeeper more frequently.
“If we want to win, we have to score goals. We need to execute those plays. We have to play much faster, with more precision, and take more shots,” Kovac added. “Tomorrow we have to shoot on goal more often to maybe force a goal.”
Kovac could also rotate his starting line-up as Dortmund manage a demanding schedule. The squad’s fitness will be assessed following their previous match and a five-hour flight, with fresh legs potentially influencing his selection.
“We’ll have to see how the lads are doing,” he said. “After all, it’s also about bringing in fresh legs.”
Dortmund will be without Konstantinos Karetsas, who has suffered a ligament injury, while Emre Can and Giannis Konstantelias remain long-term absentees.
