Kovac defends Guirassy amid his four-game goalless streak.
Kovac defended Guirassy against Eintracht Frankfurt in the German Cup, asserting that he is Dortmund's number 9 despite failing to score in 4 matches; this season he has 10 goals and 4 assists in 16 games.
Serhou Guirassy entered the German Cup clash against Eintracht Frankfurt having gone four consecutive games without scoring, but Niko Kovac chose to take the pressure off the Borussia Dortmund striker. The Croatian coach insisted Guirassy remained a key player both tactically and mentally, while leaving open the possibility of giving him a short break to recharge his energy.
Background and statements before the Frankfurt match.
Kovac addressed the issue of form directly but emphasized the collective value Guirassy brings: “Of course, I also see that he isn’t scoring goals right now, but I still see Guirassy working very hard and always giving his all. Even in the match against Cologne, he was still constantly striving. Guirassy also creates opportunities for his teammates. And in a striker’s career, sometimes there are situations where they would normally score, but now they miss. That’s normal.”
He reinforced his belief in his pupil: “I’ve said this many times and I still maintain that Guirassy is very important to us. He leads the attack, initiating every situation – both with the ball and when pressing. Therefore, I always want to give him more confidence.”
The rotation scenario was also revealed: “Guirassy might be rested for a game to recharge. But I still have time to consider for tomorrow’s match or the following games.” And he concluded: “Guirassy remains a player who has a great influence on us, both in terms of playing style and team spirit.”
Tactical analysis: Guirassy and attack structure
Judging from Kovac's statements, Guirassy's role extends beyond just goals. He is a cornerstone of the attack: retaining possession, linking up with the second line, stretching the central defenders, and opening up space for forward runs. When Dortmund have possession, Guirassy is often the first link in the attack, guiding the team forward to maintain the tempo. When out of possession, he is the spark for pressing, forcing passes and activating teammates to press in the opponent's half.
In the context of a goal drought, off-ball contributions and the ability to create chances continue to be important metrics. The coach's emphasis on "initiating every situation – both with the ball and when pressing" shows the tactical demands placed on the number 9: to be both a finishing threat and a key playmaker. With a center forward having to shoulder both roles, fluctuations in finishing efficiency are a possibility.
Key statistics
- He had failed to score in four consecutive matches leading up to the Eintracht Frankfurt game.
- This season for Borussia Dortmund: 10 goals and 4 assists in 16 matches across all competitions.
- Transfer news: Earlier reports indicated that Barca were targeting Guirassy as a replacement for Robert Lewandowski.
| Index | Value |
|---|---|
| goalless streak | last 4 matches |
| Performance this season | 10 goals, 4 assists in 16 matches (all competitions) |
Impact on personnel selection and upcoming matches.
The possibility of Kovac "resting for a game" raises the question of adjusting the attacking structure if Dortmund lacks a true center forward. Conversely, if Guirassy starts, the key is his off-ball movement to create space, the intensity of his early-game pressing, and his composure in the final touch.
On a psychological level, a supportive message from the coach can ease expectations, helping the 29-year-old striker return to making more "natural" finishing decisions. With a number 9 acting as a foundation for both pressing and build-up play, just one well-timed moment can change the pace of a knockout match.
Points to watch
- Dortmund's use of Guirassy in the defensive midfield role: either as a target man or to attack the space behind the central defenders.
- Trigger pressing in the midfield area: How does Guirassy direct the pressing down the flanks, and are his teammates able to keep up?
- Converting opportunities: after a four-game goalless streak, Guirassy's final touch and finishing choices improved.
In short, Kovac's message was clear: goal-scoring performance may fluctuate, but the tactical structure centered around Guirassy remains invaluable. That's the foundation for Dortmund's encounter with Eintracht Frankfurt in the German Cup.
