According to reports, Borussia Dortmund have laid down plans to continue with Niko Kovac heading into the new season, regardless of the outcome of this season.

After a slow start under Kovac, Dortmund have begun to build steam as they try and qualify for the Champions League this season. 

Against Barcelona, they put in a heroic performance in the second leg and nearly completed a memorable comeback, while in the Bundesliga, they are on a four-game unbeaten run and are within touching distance of the European places.

Due to the turnaround, regardless of whether Dortmund qualifies for Europe, they will continue with Kovac next season.

During this short spell at the club, the former midfielder has instilled a hard-working team, and he himself continues to be a tough coach to work under, which has been reflected in Dortmund’s recent performances on the pitch. 

A lot of change is expected at Dortmund in the summer, and having stability in the dugout will go a long way for Dortmund to try and at least look competitive next season.

Talk of rebuilding: Sources close to the club have confirmed the departure of several players. The club is ready to move on from Brandt alongside five others who will be ushered out of the door with him: Gio Reyna, Salih Özcan, Marcel Sabitzer, Youssoufa Moukoko, and Sebastien Haller.

None of the names in Dortmund’s discard pile are particularly surprising. Several of these players were already out of favor at BVB heading into this season, and none of them have impressed this season, whether at the club or on loan.

If concrete plans in terms of personnel can be properly catered for next season, Dortmund can look to compete with the likes of Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga as the Black and Yellow side hope to begin on a clean slate.

For now, they look to end the season on a high with their next game on Saturday with a trip to Hoffenheim.