Kovac defends Guirassy amid 4-match goalless streak

Serhou Guirassy heads into the German Cup clash with Eintracht Frankfurt on a four-game scoreless run, but Niko Kovac has opted to take the pressure off the Borussia Dortmund striker. The Croatian coach insists Guirassy remains a key player both tactically and mentally, while leaving open the possibility of giving him a short break to recharge his batteries.

Background and speeches before the Frankfurt match

Kovac looks straight at the issue of form but emphasises the collective value that Guirassy brings: “Of course I also see that he is not scoring at the moment, but I still see Guirassy working hard and giving his all. Even against Cologne, he was working hard. Guirassy also creates chances for his teammates. And in a striker’s career, sometimes there are situations where they would normally finish successfully, but now they miss. That is normal.”

He reinforced his belief in his students: “I have said this many times and still maintain the opinion that Guirassy is very important for us. He is the leader of the attack, starting all situations – both when he has the ball and when pressing. Therefore, I always want to give him more confidence.”

The rotation scenario was also revealed: “Maybe Guirassy will be given a game off to recharge. But I still have time to consider tomorrow's game or the next games.” And he concluded: “Guirassy is still a player who has a big influence on us, both in the way we play and in the spirit of the team.”

Tactical Analysis: Guirassy and Attacking Structure

Judging from Kovac’s statements, Guirassy’s role extends beyond goals. He is a fulcrum in the front line: holding the ball, linking the second line, stretching the centre-backs and opening up the channels for runs. When Dortmund have the ball, Guirassy is often the first stop for the team to push forward to maintain the rhythm of the attack. When he doesn’t have the ball, he is the “ignition coil” for pressing, forcing the direction of the pass and activating his teammates to close in on the opponent’s half.

In a goal drought, off-the-ball contributions and chance creation continue to be key metrics. The coach’s emphasis on “initiating every play – both on the ball and when pressing” reflects the tactical demands placed on the No. 9: both as a finishing and organising cog. With a striker required to play both roles, fluctuations in finishing performance are to be expected in a cyclical fashion.

Important statistics

• Failed to score in 4 consecutive matches before the match with Eintracht Frankfurt.
• This season for Borussia Dortmund: 10 goals and 4 assists in 16 games in all competitions.
• Transfer: Previously, there was news that Barca was targeting Guirassy to replace Robert Lewandowski.

Impact on personnel selection and upcoming matches

The possibility of “resting a game” that Kovac is considering poses the problem of adjusting the attacking structure if Dortmund does not have a true striker. Conversely, if Guirassy starts, the key is the rhythm of movement without the ball to create space, the intensity of the early pressing and the composure in the final touch.

On a psychological level, a supportive message from the coach can reduce expectations, allowing the 29-year-old to return to more “natural” finishing decisions. With a No. 9 providing the platform for both pressing and build-up, just one moment at the right time can change the tempo of a knockout match.

Points to Watch

• How Dortmund used Guirassy in an anchor role: as a wall or attacking the space behind the centre-back.
• Trigger pressing in midfield: How does Guirassy lead the pressure and can his teammates keep up?
• Chance conversion: after a four-game quiet run, the quality of Guirassy's final touches and finishing choices.

Ultimately, Kovac's message is clear: goalscoring might ebb and flow, but the tactical structure around Guirassy remains the same. That's the foundation for Dortmund heading into their German Cup tie with Eintracht Frankfurt.