Sunday, 19 May 2019

Niko Kovač Second Ever to Win Bundesliga Title as Player and Coach

Former Croatia national team coach Niko Kovač did not hide his joy after Bayern Munich defeated Eintracht 5-1 to win the Bundesliga title in the final round, reports Gol.hr on May 18, 2019. 

Just before the final round, Bayern Munich had only two more points than Borussia Dortmund and needed a victory against Eintracht to claim their seventh consecutive Bundesliga title. Borussia faced Mönchengladbach in the last leg and their hope for the title could be secured only if Bayern lost and they won. 

Bayern celebrated 5-1, while Borussia won 2-0, which kept the Bavarian club two points up on Borussia for the title. 

Behind Bayern coach Niko Kovač is a tough season which the media ruthlessly displayed. Kovač had disagreements with his players and was criticized by the club's leaders. At one point, Bayern was nine points behind Borussia Dortmund, but Kovač managed to prevail and eventually win the championship with the ovation of a packed Allianz Arena.

"I believe I will lead Bayern next season. I am confident that I will continue, I have first-hand information, not second-hand," Kovač said after winning.

Niko Kovač is just the second former Bayern player after Franck Beckenbauer to win the Bundesliga title as a player and a coach. 

However, the journey to the top was anything but smooth.

Recall, Bayern had a poor start to the season and after 15 rounds, they were nine points behind Borussia. Then, it seemed an impossible mission to compensate from so far behind. Halfway through the season, Borussia was up six points, and after 20 rounds, seven. However, only four rounds later, Bayern caught up, and both teams had 54 points after the 24th round. 

Borussia then went into crisis, and from the 20th to the 24th round, they secured just one win, two draws and one defeat, while Bayern managed four wins in a row. In the key match of the season, Bayern crushed Borussia 5-0 and made a significant step on the road to the record 29th championship title.

"It was not an easy season, I think we all saw it," said Kovač, before adding:

"We were nine points behind; however, what the team did after all the criticisms shows the quality of these players.”

Kovač commented on the ovations of fans who chanted his name.

"The fans sang my name? Of course, I am happy; I'm a man of blood and flesh," Kovač concluded. 

This is Kovač’s second trophy at the helm of Bayern after winning the Superkup at the start of the season with a 5-0 win against Eintracht. On May 25, Bayern will play in the Cup final against RB Leipzig.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page

Tuesday, 1 January 2019

Hvala Vam: Bayern Munich Thanks Croatian Supporters in 2018

A nice gesture from the current Bundesliga champions to their loyal Croatian supporters. 

Tuesday, 28 August 2018

Germany's Bild Names Niko Kovač 'Football Coach of the Year'

The current Bayern Munich coach was named the best coach of last year, according to Bild.

Sunday, 20 May 2018

Kovač's Eintracht Defeat Bayern Munich in German Cup, Win First Trophy in 30 Years!

While Niko Kovač took his team to the title of the German Cup, the real hero of the match was another Croatian - the phenomenal Ante Rebić who scored two goals against Bayern Munich. 

Sunday, 15 April 2018

Niko Kovač to be Highest Paid Croatian Coach Ever?

Kovač’s salary at Bayern Munich would surpass that of Slaven Bilić, former manager of West Ham, who earned a million euro less at the English club. 

Friday, 13 April 2018

It's Official: Niko Kovač WILL Coach Bayern Munich Next Season!

Bayern Munich confirmed the news on the official website of the club!

Friday, 13 April 2018

Will Niko Kovač be Bayern Munich's Next Coach?

Former Croatian footballer and national team coach Niko Kovač will take over Bayern Munich next season, according to German newspaper Bild.

Page 2 of 2

Search