# Niko Kovac leadership and contract extension at Dortmund > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/niko-kovac-leadership-at-borussia-dortmund > Updated: 2026-10-13T05:00:40.000Z. Sources: 48. Developments: 4. Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac set a club record for the most points accumulated in a coach’s first 50 Bundesliga matches, reaching 107 points following a 3-2 comeback victory against Hoffenheim. Kovac assumed leadership in early 2025 following the departure of Nuri Sahin. Kovac has been a vocal critic of the FIFA 16-day international break format, describing it as ‘completely unacceptable’ from a club perspective. He argued the extended period disrupts training rhythm and causes squad issues, specifically citing injuries and illnesses for players such as Nico Schlotterbeck and Julian Ryerson. Following successful negotiations, Kovac has officially extended his contract as head coach until June 30, 2029. His brother and co-coach, Robert Kovac, and assistant Filip Tapalovic have also signed extensions through 2029. Reports indicate Niko Kovac’s annual salary is approximately 5 million euros, supplemented by performance-based bonuses. Since taking over when the club was in 11th place, Kovac has led the squad to a second-place Bundesliga finish and Champions League qualification. He currently holds a club record for points per match, averaging 2.15 points over 53 matches. While club leadership cited his ability to provide ‘stability and constant development’ as reasons for the long-term commitment, reports indicate some fan opinions remain divided regarding the decision. Sporting Director Lars Ricken described the contract extension as a sign of ‘continuity and stability,’ noting the consistent development of the squad. The extension provides long-term stability alongside several other club management renewals. Advisor Matthias Sammer has extended his contract until 2028, CEO Carsten Cramer has signed until 2031, and Sporting Director Lars Ricken has signed until 2030. Recently, Kovac has faced tactical scrutiny following a dip in form, including a draw against Werder Bremen and a Champions League loss to Bodo/Glimt. ## Claims - The new international break format is unacceptable from a club perspective. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Kovač proposes a schedule of three breaks with two matches each to minimize player absence. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The long break causes clubs to lose competitive rhythm for up to two and a half weeks. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Twenty Borussia Dortmund players were away on international duty during the break. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Nico Schlotterbeck suffered a right ankle injury during a training session with the German national team. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Konstantinos Karetsas and Daniel Svensson returned from international duty with colds. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Julian Ryerson returned with bruised ribs. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Carney Chukwuemeka is dealing with minor muscle issues. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-13: Borussia Dortmund extends Niko Kovač contract until 2029 Borussia Dortmund has extended head coach Niko Kovač's contract until June 2029, alongside his assistant coaching staff, following the team's successful return to the Champions League. 36 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/niko-kovac-extends-contract-with-borussia-dortmund-until-2029 ### 2026-10-07: Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovač criticizes new international break format Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovač criticized the new 16-day international break format, while the club confirmed Matthias Sammer's contract extension until 2028 and signaled a deal for Kovač. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/niko-kovac-criticizes-international-break-as-dortmund-nears-contract-extension ### 2026-09-30: Borussia Dortmund nears contract extension for Niko Kovac Borussia Dortmund is set to extend coach Niko Kovac's contract until 2029 following a strong start to the season. Meanwhile, Nico Schlotterbeck has withdrawn from the German national team due to injury. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/borussia-dortmund-to-extend-niko-kovac-contract ### 2026-09-08: Niko Kovac sets Borussia Dortmund record after 50th Bundesliga match Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac set a new club record by earning 107 points in his first 50 Bundesliga matches, surpassing previous marks set by Thomas Tuchel and Lucien Favre. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/niko-kovac-sets-borussia-dortmund-record-after-50th-bundesliga-match --- Cite as: Niko Kovac leadership and contract extension at Dortmund. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/niko-kovac-leadership-at-borussia-dortmund