Dortmund to take time over extension for Kovač and trio

Borussia Dortmund managing director Lars Ricken has indicated the club will adopt a patient approach regarding coach Niko Kovač's contract extension and the futures of players Emre Can, Julian Brandt, and Niklas Süle. All three players are entering the final year of their contracts and could leave on free transfers next summer.

Ricken stated Dortmund will begin the upcoming season with the current setup and evaluate developments during the campaign before making decisions. He emphasized the club won't be pressured by public debate, saying: "We are very relaxed and will take our time." Regarding Kovač, whose contract runs until 2026, Ricken praised his honesty and straightforwardness, noting he proved himself more than a short-term solution by guiding Dortmund to fourth place and Champions League qualification after taking over in February.

While acknowledging fan criticism of Can, Brandt, and Süle, Ricken affirmed the club values them: "The appreciation for these players is definitely there." The squad returned from holidays after their Club World Cup quarter-final exit and will resume training on Monday, with their first competitive match – a German Cup tie against Rot-Weiss Essen – scheduled in three weeks.