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SOCCER

Kovac accepts responsibility for Dortmund’s defeat at Bodø/Glimt

The Dortmund coach defends his players’ quality but criticizes the performance after a 1–0 Champions League defeat in Norway.

By TSP
Borussia Dortmund and Bodø/Glimt players contest the ball at Aspmyra.
Borussia Dortmund and Bodø/Glimt players contest the ball at Aspmyra on October 14, 2026. · Credit: Borussia Dortmund (source)

“I take responsibility for that. I picked the team,” Niko Kovac said, translated from German, after Borussia Dortmund’s 1–0 Champions League defeat at Bodø/Glimt on Wednesday.

The Dortmund coach was answering a question about the quality of his changed lineup in a DAZN interview reported by Bild. He defended the players’ ability while accepting responsibility for the selection.

Kovac said Dortmund lacked intensity and passion before improving after four substitutions. He also criticized how often his team played to feet instead of behind the defense, and said it had deserved to lose.

Fredrik Sjøvold’s 52nd-minute goal decided the game at Aspmyra.

Borussia Dortmund’s official postgame press conference after the 1–0 defeat. The quoted remarks above are from Kovac’s separate DAZN interview.