Former international Thomas Helmer has cautioned BVB coach Niko Kovac, stating that supporters are unhappy with the team’s uninspiring play despite a strong league finish. In other news, national coach Julian Nagelsmann expressed strong confidence in Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha. Meanwhile, a potential return for Jadon Sancho to Borussia Dortmund appears to be off the table.
BVB News — ‘The Fans Are Not Happy’: Ex-International Thomas Helmer Warns Dortmund Coach Niko Kovac
Former international Thomas Helmer, who had a long tenure at Borussia Dortmund during his playing career, has issued a warning to BVB coach Niko Kovac, even after the team secured the runner-up title last season. Helmer told LeoVegas, «The fans are not happy because the team does not play attractive football.»
While Dortmund’s league results were generally positive, they finished 16 points behind champions Bayern Munich. Helmer acknowledged that Kovac «did a good job,» but he pointed out that the coach is facing criticism from fans regarding the team’s lack of appealing playing style.
In the Champions League, BVB was eliminated in the playoff round against Atalanta, a result that left Helmer «somewhat disappointed.» He described the exit as «unexpected.» The team also failed to achieve their DFB-Pokal goals, suffering a 0-1 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16.
«They need to bring in many new players to reach the same level in the Champions League next year. That will be very difficult,» Helmer predicted.
BVB News — ‘Extremely Convinced’: National Coach Julian Nagelsmann Praises Felix Nmecha
During the first press conference at the DFB training camp in Herzogenaurach, national coach Julian Nagelsmann lauded Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha. «I am extremely convinced of Felix. He combines athleticism, height, and footballing skills,» Nagelsmann stated. Nmecha has been selected by the BVB midfielder for the upcoming World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Nmecha is considered one of the favorites of the national coach, who, unlike at Bayern Munich, plans to deploy Joshua Kimmich at right-back rather than in defensive midfield. «We will have a good pairing,» Nagelsmann remarked regarding the midfield positions. Alongside Nmecha, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Leon Goretzka, and Angelo Stiller are candidates for these two midfield roles. «We are convinced of all the players we have nominated,» Nagelsmann added.
Germany will commence their World Cup campaign on June 14th in Houston against Curaçao. This will be followed by a match against the Ivory Coast on June 20th in Toronto. The group stage will conclude on June 25th in East Rutherford, near New York, against Ecuador.
BVB Rumor — ‘The Deal is Off’: Dortmund Now Uninterested in Former Wishlist Candidate Jadon Sancho
A potential return for Jadon Sancho to Borussia Dortmund is reportedly not an option for the club at this time. According to Patrick Berger of Sky, «Currently, the trail is cold. The deal is off.»
Sancho initially made his breakthrough at BVB, excelling in the Bundesliga for the Black and Yellows. His performances earned him a transfer to Manchester United, who reportedly paid around 85 million euros for him in 2021. However, Sancho did not impress at Old Trafford. He was loaned back to BVB for the second half of the 2023/24 season, followed by loan spells at Chelsea (2024/25) and Aston Villa (2025/26).
Sancho’s contract with United is set to expire at the end of June, making him a free agent. While his name was frequently linked with BVB in recent weeks and months, the club’s stance has reportedly shifted. Berger commented, «If he remains on the market until the end and things somehow fall into place, you can never rule it out, but currently, I can’t imagine Sancho playing for BVB for the third time in the summer.»
For Aston Villa last season, Sancho made 39 appearances across all competitions, scoring one goal and providing three assists.
BVB Schedule: Upcoming Borussia Dortmund Fixtures
| Date | Competition | Match |
|---|---|---|
| July 18 | Friendly Match | Rot-Weiß Oberhausen vs. BVB |
| July 29 | Friendly Match | Cerezo Osaka vs. BVB |
| August 1 | Friendly Match | FC Tokyo vs. BVB |