Borussia Dortmund Boss Kovac Seeks Solutions As Schlotterbeck And Sule Ruled Out For Atalanta Clash

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Borussia Dortmund enter Tuesday’s Champions League play-off first leg against Atalanta with a damaged defence, as Niko Kovac confirmed that Nico Schlotterbeck and Niklas Sule will both miss the clash at Westfalenstadion, where a place in the last 16 will be on the line.

Schlotterbeck is sidelined by muscular problems and will not be risked, while a thigh injury removes Sule from contention. Dortmund are already missing Emre Can and Filippo Mane through fitness issues, leaving Kovac without four recognised centre-backs for a tie Dortmund view as crucial.

Luca Reggiani, who replaced Sule in the 4-0 Bundesliga victory over Mainz on Friday, is one option, but Kovac has not settled on a final set-up. Julian Ryerson and Salih Ozcan are also candidates for makeshift roles if Dortmund alter their defensive shape against the Serie A visitors.

Kovac underlined the scale of the injury list in central defence and stressed that caution over Schlotterbeck is essential. We currently have four injured centre-backs. We don't want to take any risks with [Nico] Schlotterbeck, so he's not an option, Kovac added. It's a coach's job to find solutions and be creative. We have several options thereor we can change the system. I trust everyone who can play in that position. Julian [Ryerson] has played in central defence against Juventus, and Salih [Ozcan] could also be deployed there.

Dortmund finished 17th in the league phase after a 2-0 defeat to Inter on the final matchday, so they enter the play-off round unseeded. Atalanta stand between Dortmund and the knockout stage in a two-legged tie that recalls their previous European meeting in 2018.

The clubs last faced one another in the Europa League round of 32 in February 2018, when Dortmund advanced 4-3 on aggregate. Dortmund’s broader record against Italian clubs in the Champions League is mixed, with only one win in the last seven such matches, a 3-1 success against AC Milan in November 2023.

Atalanta’s own Champions League history brings questions, as the Italian side have lost five consecutive knockout ties in the competition. Despite that run, Kovac warned against underestimating Raffaele Palladino’s side, pointing to their European title in another competition and an aggressive tactical style across the pitch.

Kovac praised Atalanta’s progress and intensity. Atalanta have a great team and have developed over the years. They won the Europa League two years ago, Kovac added. It will be man-to-man all over the pitch and very intense. There will be moments where we can exploit space to create opportunities, but they are a very strong opponent. I see the chances as 50:50.

Domestically, Dortmund arrive in strong form. The win over Mainz stretched their Bundesliga winning streak to six matches, and they are unbeaten in 15 league games, a run that started after a 2-1 defeat to Bayern Munich on October 18. Their Champions League momentum, however, has stalled with consecutive 2-0 losses after a solid group phase.

Dortmund’s recent numbers in both competitions illustrate that contrast.

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Champions League data also highlights Atalanta’s knockout struggles, adding another layer to the play-off narrative.

Ryerson, who recently became only the fourth player since detailed data collection began in 2004-05 to deliver four assists in a single Bundesliga match, stressed the importance of advancing. We're looking forward to it. We don't need to fix anything. We need to get through. It won't be easy, but it's possible, Ryerson said.

Dortmund approach Atalanta with confidence from league form but with serious defensive absences and a recent European setback. The first leg at Westfalenstadion will test their depth, Kovac’s tactical flexibility and Atalanta’s response to past knockout exits, with progression finely balanced at this stage.