Kovac cools down early title talks following impressive victory over Heidenheim

Borussia Dortmund sit just two points behind Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga, but Niko Kovac was not getting carried away.

The Dortmund manager struck a cautious tone when asked about Borussia Dortmund’s prospects of winning the Bundesliga title in the 2025-26 season.

Kovac watched on as his side delivered a 2-0 victory over early-season strugglers Heidenheim on Saturday, with first-half goals from Serhou Guirassy and Maximilian Beier sealing the win. 

Dortmund’s hopes of a second win of the season were helped in the 21st minute by Budu Zivzivadze, who received a straight red card after a late tackle on Felix Nmecha. 

Guirassy had to have his say in the match, with his header past Diant Ramaj representing the eighth consecutive game he has found the back of the net in the Bundesliga.

In fact, among all non-German players in Bundesliga history, only Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (10) and Robert Lewandowski (four times, with a record streak of 15) have recorded longer scoring runs.

Dortmund were worthy of their victory in the end, registering an expected goals (xG) total of 2.76 from their 17 shots to Heidenheim’s measly 0.4 from their six shots. 

Ahead of kick-off, Kovac made it clear that his intention was to re-establish Dortmund as title contenders, having failed to win the Bundesliga since 2011-12 under Jurgen Klopp.

After taking seven points from their first three games, Dortmund are two points adrift of champions Bayern Munich, who thumped Hamburg 5-0 earlier on Saturday. 

Kovac also stressed that after three games, no club has been promoted, no club has been relegated, and no one has become champion yet.

However, his team’s performances have shown reason for optimism, though his focus will now turn to the first game of their Champions League campaign. 

Dortmund make the trip to Allianz Stadium on Tuesday to take on Juventus, who have taken maximum points from their opening three fixtures in Serie A.