Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac has praised stand-in captain Waldemar Anton after setting high standards across the squad ahead of their Champions League opener against Villarreal. The central defender has taken over the armband following a serious knee injury to club captain Emre Can, with Kovac highlighting his leadership at Signal Iduna Park.
National coach Nagelsmann has outlined his tournament squad less than four weeks before the squad is announced. Thanks to “his Lena”, Undav can hope again, while another debate has finally been put to bed.
The German national team’s attack shines even without (and with) Deniz Undav; Lennart Karl is proving himself worthy of more than just a trial run; the defence is holding its own despite the odd wobble; and Julian Nagelsmann’s measures are paying off. The winners and losers at the DFB following the March training camp.
Borussia Dortmund face a massive battle to keep hold of their star defender Waldemar Anton ahead of the upcoming transfer window. Premier League giants Manchester United and La Liga heavyweights Atletico Madrid have both registered a strong interest in acquiring the 29-year-old. Dortmund, however, are desperate to retain his services as he has become an indispensable leader.
It is not just the restructuring of the sporting director role that means BVB are facing a major shake-up next summer. A number of long-serving players are set to leave the club – and even without these departures, there are gaps in the squad that need to be addressed urgently.
