Dortmund (Germany), Jan 31 (Reporter) Niko Kovac has been appointed as Borussia Dortmund’s new coach following the departure of Nuri Sahin. The Croatian will officially take up the post on Sunday, one day after Dortmund’s Bundesliga match away at Heidenheim. He has signed a contract until 30 June 2026, according to a FIFA media release. The 53-year-old is therefore primed to lead the team at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, which kicks off in the USA on 14 June. Dortmund have been drawn alongside Brazilian side Fluminense FC, Ulsan HD of Korea Republic and South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns FC in Group F. Kovac will take over a side in 11th position in the Bundesliga standings. Dortmund have qualified for the play-off stage of the UEFA Champions League, having finished tenth in the 36-team league phase. The highlights of Kovac’s coaching career to date include winning the DFB Cup with Eintracht Frankfurt in 2018 while the following year he guided FC Bayern München to a league and cup double. Kovac also had a two-year spell in charge of the Croatia national team and led his country at the 2014 FIFA World Cup™. Borussia Dortmund has appointed Niko Kovac as their new head coach. The 53-year-old, born in Berlin, has signed a contract with BVB until June 30, 2026, and will officially take charge next Sunday after the club’s Bundesliga match against Heidenheim. Speaking following the confirmation of his arrival at Dortmund, Kovac said: "The most important thing for all of us now is to have the willingness to work hard to represent Borussia Dortmund in the best possible way in the Bundesliga, the Champions League and at the Club World Cup in the summer. We are tackling this challenge with determination and focus.” Lars Ricken, Dortmund’s managing director of sport, added: “We have held intensive talks with Niko Kovac over the past few days and have deliberately taken the time to get to know each other and our expectations better. Energy, determination and a sense of the importance of team spirit have always characterised Niko's teams. We want to feel and see all of this on and off the pitch...////...