Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac has responded to criticism from Austria’s national coach Ralf Rangnick regarding midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka’s German language skills.
BVB News: Kovac Responds to Rangnick’s Language Criticism
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Dortmund’s match against VfB Stuttgart, Kovac addressed Rangnick’s concerns directly. «We are an international club in a global world. It’s important for coaches to speak various languages, and we speak a lot of English here,» Kovac stated.
He further emphasized that this linguistic flexibility is reflected in the team’s performance. «If we were talking past each other, we wouldn’t be where we are,» the BVB coach explained, seeing no issue with communicating with Chukwuemeka solely in English. «It’s completely normal in basketball, increasingly common in handball, and football is becoming more and more international. So, for us, it’s not a problem at all.»
Rangnick had previously criticized the fact that Chukwuemeka, who recently switched from the English to the Austrian football association, possesses no German language skills despite being a Borussia Dortmund player for some time. «This must be in the clubs’ interest. They should ensure regular German lessons take place. I don’t mean this as criticism, but I was surprised. In Leipzig or Hoffenheim, it was mandatory – three times a week. Anyone who missed it was treated as if they had missed training. But of course, every club handles it differently. For young players like him, it’s not easy. English works everywhere, even in our team, he gets along well with it,» Rangnick had remarked.
Chukwuemeka, who grew up in England, represented various English youth national teams but never played for the senior Three Lions squad, making his switch possible. He has been a permanent player at BVB since August.
BVB News: Schlotterbeck Faces Fans Amid Contract Talks
Prior to flying to Stuttgart for their away match against VfB, Borussia Dortmund central defender Nico Schlotterbeck engaged with waiting fans at the airport. The interaction was reportedly harmonious, with the 26-year-old patiently signing autographs for around 50 supporters.
This public appearance follows recent controversy caused by Schlotterbeck’s statements after Germany’s 2-1 victory over Ghana, where he vehemently denied reports of an agreement in his contract negotiations with BVB, reigniting speculation about his future.
Negotiations between the player’s representatives and the club have been ongoing for weeks. It is now rumored that the defender has received a concrete transfer inquiry from an unnamed top club. Simultaneously, Schlotterbeck himself is reportedly attempting to renegotiate terms—specifically his salary and release clause—that were supposedly already agreed upon with former sporting director Sebastian Kehl, aiming to improve them in his favor.
BVB — Upcoming Matches: Borussia Dortmund Fixture List
| Date | Match |
| April 4, 6:30 PM | VfB Stuttgart — BVB (Bundesliga) |
| April 11, 3:30 PM | BVB — Bayer Leverkusen (Bundesliga) |
| April 18, 3:30 PM | TSG Hoffenheim — BVB (Bundesliga) |